The Challenge

Angela, at Pearls of Price, mentioned a challenge she is taking.  You can read about it here.  It is fourteen days long.  You only speak positive or neutral things to others.  I didn't realize how difficult this was going to be.  I have really been struggling with my thoughts and actions.  I didn't realize how negative we had gotten around here.  I didn't realize how much correction goes on by all seven of us toward each other.  It isn't  very pleasant when you step back and look at it.  It robs the Joy of the Lord that we want in our house.  I know I can only accomplish this with God.  I have been wrestling in my heart today, while at church and afterwards regarding my words, as well as my thoughts.  I have bit my tongue many times.  I have tried to change my responses at the last minute.  I often have the facial expression, but no words come out of my mouth.  I have used this challenge as a time of self evaluation and reflection. We need to love as Jesus loves us. Our tone of voice and our words are not always in a loving manner as Jesus would speak to us.


I am praying that God can help me with this challenge.  I know that I will not accomplish this goal on my own.  I will definitely have to press in more with God to accomplish this goal. 

My girls have not had the best start in life, but that isn't their fault.  They don't know the things my birth children do because they haven't been taught.  Once again, this isn't their fault.  They are precious girls and have learned so much.  I get very frustrated sometimes, but love them dearly.  Already today, I have caught myself getting frustrated over really trivial things.  They are kids and they are still learning.  I should not be frustrated.  This challenge has made me stop mid step and change my responses.  As Angela said in her post, these poor kids get blamed for so many things.  They get corrected so often, by so many people.  I am proud of how they have endured so much criticism.  It really needs to stop.  They have been in our family for a year and a half.  This Friday the adoption will have been final for one year.  (Wow, how time goes by quickly.)

God is really doing a work in me through this challenge.

Quite a few of my blog friends of abused and neglected children are also taking the challenge.  I hope by having other friends working towards the same goal will help me to not give up.  We can be accountable to one another.  This can be such a positive thing for my family as well as many others.

Thanks Angela for the challenge!!