"...but an encouraging word makes it glad." Proverbs 12:25

I had a really great talk with my sister recently about encouraging the younger generation. Ever since, I have been looking for opportunities to pour confidence and encouraging words into my little ones on a daily basis. The fact is, I have people encouraging me every day... building me up and pushing me forward. I desire to be that for the loved ones God has placed nearest and dearest to me. I love that Valentine's Day is coming up because I am finding lots of cute stuff to help me in my new endeavor! Here are some inspiring scriptures that are a great reminder:

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
but an encouraging words makes it glad."

Proverbs 12:25

 "And we urge you, brothers and sisters...encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."

1 Thessalonians 5:14,15

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:1

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Proverbs 17:17

What do you do to bring encouragement to your household?

*** Ironically, as I was typing this post, my husband just walked into the office and completely drowned me in encouragement. Seeing how much that built up my spirit after a very taxing day, gives me even more confidence that I need to be doing that very thing for my children. ***

brother and sister

These 2 fight like crazy.

They fight over who is gets to ride the "car" and who has to ride the "firetruck."

They fight over positions on the couch.

They fight over who touched who, who said what, and why I ALWAYS take the other person's side.

They fight over food.

They fight about toys, trinkets and coloring books.

They fight about games, videos and even spots at the table.

They are brother and sister.

Then something in the air will change....

A miracle will appear from the clouds of glory....

A distant angel will sing the Hallelujah chorus....

and I'll hear them laughing, playing and truly enjoying each other.

I take those moments to hide behind corners and doors to get a glimpse of what it is truly like to have a brother and sister relationship... and I thank God they have one.

and in all things... session 43

Things I am thankful for on January 24, 2013...

1. Isaiah 61:1-3
2. My nieces and nephews... seriously, I have mad love for those little ones... and I love my "aunt lori" title.
3. Maybelline Baby Lips- it's not as expensive as my favorite stuff, and it works almost as good! (only $3.99)
4. My church family- I seriously love those amazing people, and am so privileged to be able to serve God beside them!
5. Re-Discovering songs that transitioned me from "life with God without kids" to "life with God with kids"... I walked the same hallway, prayed the same prayers and sang the same songs over and over.
6. Snow
7. Little baby hands that like to grab mine periodically throughout the day.
8. The trust I can have in the Lord, knowing He is the One who will heal my family.
9. Laughing with my husband through the trials of parenthood.
10. Powerade, Infant Advil, PediaSure, Nebulizer, Prayer.

his hero web.

songs and smells

Songs and smells both bring back vivid memories for me.

Today I heard a Jason Upton song that I haven't heard in years.

It was a song that I would pace and pray to while Isaac, my week-old newborn baby, slept in his crib. Through tears I would ask God to guide our family.

6 years later I am praying the same prayer, with much more confidence!

What are you praying for this year?

Pray to this today:

i think we found her true identity.

Meet Pix E. Flutters.

Proud of my 1st Grader

Isaac: "Mom, I asked everyone at my table at school today if they knew Jesus. They all said that they did, so that's good... Remind me tomorrow that when I get off the bus I am going to go upstairs and spend some time praying to Jesus during the fast."

It's times like these that I feel like all the hard work is paying off....

or that's God's grace really IS enough.

Psalm 18:2

This has been my verse for this week.

It's going up on our scripture wall so the kids will be reminded every morning they wake up that God is near.

You can find more amazing Typographic Verses HERE.

he might be her favorite person in the world.

my lil girl loves to cuddle.

They asked me if they could watch a movie while the babies slept.

I walked in a minute later to this....

Then she heard me moving and looked over.

That's the face of a sister who doesn't have a brother that likes to cuddle very often!