I had parents who enjoyed parenthood, but they were realistic about it.
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In a book I read recently, the author describes always wanting her father to be the kind of dad who paid attention, devoted his focus to her. She hoped he would actually move in with her and her mother so they could be a “complete” family.
Her hopes for her father never came true, but God had a plan still. Her name is Alexandra Kuykendall, MOPS International team member, MOPS mom, and author of the book The Artist’s Daughter [Revell, 2013].
Sometimes our expectations for others cloud what they have given to us.
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She felt best was to have a stable marriage, a normal life where you live in one place and don’t travel all around the globe picking up just as you set down roots, and two parents committed to their children while remaining committed to each other.
God provides us with challenges to reach us, teach us, and strengthen us. We can face the frustrating, uncomfortable, and trying times with faith.
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“But if it was true that my imperfection as a mother was inevitable, how did I balance what I wanted with what I could realistically offer?”
“Do what only you can do.” (p. 215)
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Choose to do what only you can do.
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For More on Overcoming:
4 Steps to Dealing with Your Past
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Enjoy your time at home!

My parents taught me that real relationships have ups and downs, but that they will not fail as long as everybody is committed to it. I’ve transferred that into my motherhood by realizing that, even on the days when I don’t want to play with my daughter a lot (I’m a SAHM) or the days that I don’t feel like I’m doing well as a mother, I’m still committed to loving my daughter to the best of my abilities.
Oh, that is a beautiful way of putting things. Thank you for sharing that. I love that phrase, “I’m still committed to loving my daughter.” That is a wonderful mindset to settle into every day.
No problem, Kerry! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You are entered into the giveaway-best of luck!
I'd love to read this! My Mom and Dad had very different parenting attitudes, however I learned an awful lot from both of them, what not to do and what to do. Now that I have my own daughter, I find that I'm using both attitudes in raising her, and it seems to be working. My advice, don't judge anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes!! Parenting can't be learned, it's instinctive and whatever our parents taught us, that's what they knew. Thanks Mom and Dad!
Sounds like a good read! My mom was a stay-at-home-mom, and the sacrifices she made for me and my family are still inspirational even though she has already gone home to be with the Lord.
Janelle, sounds like she taught you some great lessons! Thanks for sharing that and you are entered into the giveaway. The book is a really nice, simple read-best of luck!
A parenting lesson i learned that i use is…if u cant say anything nice…dont say anythi.g at all…
That is one that stands the test of time! Thanks for entering the giveaway.