Whatcha reading?

It may come as no surprise to learn that a woman who majored in English Lit loves to read. I read every day pretty much, even if just for a few minutes. My interest is pretty varied although I prefer fiction for the most part to entertain my brain and shut down all that pesky thinking  before bed. I read a lot of hooks but rarely feel compelled to recommend any, however from time to time a book is worthy of a shout out.  I decided to do just that from now on when I pick up a good one. Last month I finished one such book. In fact it was so good, I handed it to my best friend as soon as I was done so she could read it too, but only as a loan because I want it back. The book is Kara-Kae James’s Mom Up.

Here are my three reasons you should read it:

1. I found it incredibly encouraging as a Mom. It didn’t make me feel like a failure, but still pushed me to stretch beyond where I am right now. 

2. It was an easy and convenient read.  The chapters are labeled with approximate reading times so I knew if I could start one in that moment or if I should wait until I had more time. (I hate stopping in the middle of a chapter.)

3. This is the big one: Kara-kae keeps it REAL!  She’s honest about her fears and failures, making herself vulnerable to us all so we can relate and learn right alongside her. 

If you’re a mom looking for a good read this summer, I highly recommend this book. You can also follow Kara-Kae on Instagram and then you’ll think you’re her friend just like I do! 😜

Watch Your Tone!

“Watch your tone!”  How many times did I hear these words from my mom growing up? I can’t tell you, but if I had dollar for every time, I’d be out shoe shopping right now. At Nordstrom. In the designer section. I’m just sayin’!

Now, I’m the mom, and while I have had to check my kids’ tone a few times already, I recently realized I am still on the receiving end of that phrase. I can still lose control of my tone in moments of frustration with my kids or spouse or that lunatic driving a Toyota on the highway.  Keeping my tone in check is a skill I have yet to master.

I’m particularly focused right now on how I talk to my children. Real talk, it’s all the more challenging in the summer months. This is 24/7 mama and kid time, which means nerves can get frayed, tempers can get short, and patience can run thin. While that is all true, it is not an excuse to let my tongue or tone run amuck.  How can I teach them to do something, I can’t do? How can I expect them to speak one way, but model the opposite? The truth is, I can’t. 

Last year, I studied the book of Mark 📖again and one of things that stood out to me was how calmly and respectfully Jesus responded to confrontation. He never lost his cool or clapped back, and he had every right to. 

It is my hope and prayer this month to follow in the footsteps of my Savior and keep control of my own tone as I discipline and respond to my children. Even after 4pm when they turn into other people’s kids!

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

‭‭James‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬