You know sometimes you read things and you soak in every word because you know the author is writing directly to you? Well, that happens to me. And it’s happened multiple times this week. And it’s only Wednesday.

Perhaps you can be encouraged too.

First, from “I don’t want to raise a good child” by Lysa TerKeurst …

“I would beg God to show me how to raise a good child. One that stayed in her stroller. One that other people would comment about how wonderfully behaved she was. … But God seemed so slow to answer those prayers. So, over the years, I changed my prayer. “God help me to raise Hope to be who you want her to be.” Emphasis on, “God HELP ME!” I think I changed my prayers for her because God started to change my heart. I started sensing He had a different plan in mind for my mothering of Hope.”

But, mommas, click on the link and read the whole thing. Seriously.

And then there was another parenting piece that I read this morning, know I was supposed to take it to heart. I emailed it to a couple friends who are parenting young boys beside me and my husband, who has influenced me in ways that definitely make me a better mom.

“Loving a Wild One” by Sarah Mae softened my heart and gave me perspective …

“You, my friend, are not perfectly obedient. You and I, we mess up, we try, we fight, we are stubborn, we believe lies, and we sin. But we love God, and He loves us with a wild, unyielding grace. He is slow to anger and abounding in love, graciousness, compassion, and faithfulness. Remember who your children are, little ones with a sin nature, and yet made in the image of God. Train them up in love and discipline, with compassion, kindness, and grace, just as your Father does to you.”

Again, read it. You won’t be sorry.

And then later this afternoon I happened upon those characteristics of God the Father that I long to possess for my family:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. … As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him … But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” –Psalm 103:8-18

Take heart, mommas, we are not alone. I sense God doing a mighty work in my heart and life. And I get the feeling he wants to do something for you too.