Bigger Picture Moment: A Lost Opportunity?

Satan is celebrating a minor victory.

I gave into the frustration and lost myself in anger. I yelled. I gave mean looks. I scared my daughter. I can't believe how angry I was. I didn't recognise myself.

I prayed...
Then let myself get angry again, completely nullifying the prayer.

I lost control. Control of my emotions, myself and the situation.

An opportunity to teach was lost. My child only learned, Mom is scary when she's angry. Nothing positive came from that event, except, maybe, these afterthoughts.

When we loose ourselves to anger we loose the opportunity to witness to others.

While I don't believe my relationship with Jesus is based on how much I act like Him, some non believers seem to think it does. {Could you imagine someone saying the only way to have a good marriage is to be just like your husband?!}

But if we, Christians, want to share our knowledge, the Love, the Word, all that is Good, we have to do our best to live as Jesus would. And that means instead of giving in to the impulse we need to pause before we move/act/speak.

When I got out of the Navy, I struggled with the loss of belonging to something. I do belong, not to something, but to Someone! I have to remember I'm a part of something bigger and when people look at me, they might not recognize I'm a Christian, but I want them to see good in me, I hope they see wisdom, a sense of peace (a peace only God can give). Again, like the in the Navy where I was constantly held to a higher standard (law enforcement often is), I have to live like others are watching, because, somewhere, they are.

While I'm not the type to walk up to a stranger and ask if they've accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, I would like to be the type of person someone who is seeking the Lord could say, "I can ask her."

Satan isn't celebrating today.

I wasn't pleased this morning when my darling B decided to have, pretty much, the same attitude as yesterday but I did love having the chance to respond in a TOTALLY different way. This time, in the middle of her fit, I knelt down, lifted her onto my lap and, with her, asked God for guidance. She was still punished but I remained calm and she quickly calmed. We were able to talk about her behavior and why it was inappropriate, we moved on and had a lovely day.


Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14/NIV

Ramble: Lessons

Although this was Brenna's fourth season seeing Santa, she was a bit hesitant. She talked to him for a little bit from just beyond the rope, safely out of reach. She finally got up the nerve to go up to him but became skittish again as we moved in.

Paige, on the other hand, looked at this red fellow with a bit of wonderment and quickly offered a smile.

When Brenna became nervous, I grabbed up Paige and assured Brenna she could take the picture with her sister. While she was slightly delighted she was not yet convinced.

I stood in front of Santa and asked which side he'd prefer the baby on, he indicated the left and I proceeded to place Paigie gently in his arm. This did not please our Little Bit!

I instantly became reminiscent of ALL of Brenna's past Santa experiences, she's never been a fan.

I quickly looked to Brenna and had her sit with Paige and hoped they'd both cheer up a bit. It worked! Paige wasn't completely happy but at least she was calm.

In the end, we got a good picture.

I've learned, sisters can make us brave!