Picking up Hands Free Mama this week and reading Chapter 3 “Choose What Matters~Deliberateness”, was like striking a gold mine, except the reward for me, was far more precious than gold!

“Now that you are able to weigh the high costs of distraction
against the priceless benefits of connection,
the choice is yours”
{Rachel Macy Stafford}

After some hurtful altercations several years ago with my stepson Jackson’s mother, I chose to take several steps back and not to watch him without my husband, Tyler, present.

This past weekend Tyler was going out of town, so I was left with two options: either stick to my original “rule” of not watching Jackson without Tyler present, or lay that rule aside and watch him. Tyler left the decision up to me, so I prayed  about it and decided it was time to leave the past behind, and proceed with watching Jackson for the weekend.

The weekend started off great, then, as they sometimes do, things took a turn and Jackson ended up needing some correction for stealing toys from his neighbor friend. I took a moment to step away from the situation long enough to engage in a brief text with my mom asking for prayer.

I stepped into Jackson’s room, sat down with him, calmly and sincerely addressed the issue and prayed with him.

Then I looked into his face and asked him if he wanted Jesus to live inside his heart so He could help him to listen, obey, be good, and not steal.

With tears streaming down his little face, my precious stepson said, “yes”.

I had the honor of encouraging Jackson to pray, in his own six-year-old-words, and ask Jesus to live inside his heart, and help him to be good.

Talk about being more precious that gold!!

Choosing what matters most…

Sometimes our pride says no, but God says yes.

Sometimes our obedient “yes” turns into a gift for all of eternity.

What I would have missed, had I held onto my pride and said no.

What I would have missed, had I not said yes.

I am utterly humbled at the thought of being a vessel God can use.

He chose me; of all the people in Jackson’s life, He chose me…

As my friend Holley Gerth says,
“The enemy tries to trick us into believing we’re not enough
because he knows if we discover the truth we’ll be unstoppable.”

Today, I am thanking God for imparting His truth to my heart and for reminding me,
“You are not enough…in me you are so much more.” {Holley Gerth}

Today, I am thanking God for His ability to honor my obedience and make something beautiful from something ugly.

Today, I look back at these past six years with Jackson and see only a glimpse of what God has in store for him, and our beautiful family.

The choice is mine…

Oh the utter joy that awaits those who love God!

This post is dedicated to my precious Mother and Best Friend.
Today is her birthday and in honor of the beautiful life she lives for Jesus,
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate, than to print in black and white,
proof of her faithful prayers for my stepson and our family.
My Mom has been in the trenches with us, as we’ve walked these difficult years.
She’s witnessed the pain, the anguish, and the tears,
and offered countless hours of encouragement, hugs and prayers.
While I realize this is only the beginning of Jackson’s spiritual journey,
I accredit my mother for her tenacity in praying & assuring me that my work is not in vain:
to never give up on what GOD can do in an impossible situation!
Happy Birthday, Mom!
You are one amazing woman and I am honored to be your daughter!
I Love You!
XOXO