My kids are moving into this sense of self awareness that has just been taken to a new level. Some of you with older kids are probably laughing because you have been through it.

For example, the kids never liked it when I corrected their behavior. But now… now they KNOW just how they feel about it. In what seems like over night, I have caught them in various forms of expressing their opinions about it. Of course, they always hope I don’t see it. I guess no one has told them yet that I have eyes in the back of my head.

Here’s an edited quick list of the lovely behaviors I have encountered in just this last month. (I am told by other mom friends that I am not alone in this, which has brought some measure of peace to my heart.)

Gabe stuck his tongue out at me when I told him to let Gracie sing her song. Of course, he didn’t intend on getting caught.

Micah took a swing at a nearby book when Daddy decided that the game was done and he had lost fair and square. Sportsmanship. Such a hard lesson to learn.

Esther stuck her fingers in her ears to block out my “loud” lecture (yes, I do raise my voice from time to time – we are not perfect over here). And the list literally goes on.

Sometimes I find myself wondering what just happened. Now I am realizing though that its age and maturity at it’s height of immaturity. The more familiar they become with their feelings and thoughts the more expressive they become. I am trying to keep perspective. They are young and immature and I have to teach them that this behavior too is not a appropriate response. You can imagine how that goes over. There are times we all just need to cool down before that talk happens. There are also times I wish I was Iron Man with the ability to blast myself into another realm.

Parenting is hard work. I love my little squirts and I want to see them grow up into mature adults who can communicate their feelings and empathize with others. Modeling that is probably the best way. That and a few lessons from Christ and his ability to rise above the foolishness. Currently I have Bible verses posted all over the house reminding me to be slow to anger and abounding in love. Because I do believe there is victory found in abiding in His word. My favorite one is from 2 Samuel, as it says, “your gentleness has made me great.”

Pray for them

Lord, I pray that (Name) will quickly understand “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” I pray that (he/she) would not be counted among the “fools [who] despise wisdom and instruction.” Rather, let (Name) love the union of wisdom and discipline. May (he/she) rejoice in your discipline allowing it to develop (his/her) character. I praise you Father, for what you are working within (Name) and I pray according to your Word asking for it to be brought to completion. In your name I pray, amen.   – Proverbs 1:7

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Bulgar Wheat Breakfast

Want to change up the traditional oatmeal? Try cooking bulgar wheat. It has a nice nutty flavor to it.

• 1 cup Bulgar wheat
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/8 cup flax seed
• dash of cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla

Bring to a boil bulgar, water and salt. Add flax seeds, raisins, and coconut oil and cinnamon. Simmer for 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and add in vanilla. It makes a lot, so put whatever is left in the refrigerator and use it the next day.