Where God Meets You in Your Mess

December 21, 2011 By Brooke McGlothlin

“Right now, I have nothing to give. Nothing. Nada. I’m tired and don’t feel good and honestly, I want a break from everything. It’s not that I want to leave my family, trade them in, or get new ones. I WANT to be with them. I just want a break from hard hearts, discipline, correction. I want their hearts changed and I can’t do it myself. Sometimes, the knowledge of this makes me feel hopeless and helpless.”

Weary

I wrote those words a few months ago in the middle of a season of weariness spanning about six months. The weariness came and went. Some days were better than others. But I couldn’t help but wonder if it would ever end. Would I ever get to my “somewhere over the rainbow” where boys are obedient, kind, loving and respectful?

Photo Credit: stock.xchng

In my latest eBook, Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess (co-written with Stacey Thacker) I wrote these words:

“It’s sweaty work–manual labor of the most intense kind because it requires more than just body. Mothering demands body, soul, mind and heart. And when the work doesn’t pay off…when the pulling and tugging and coaxing and dragging and pushing and begging and praying don’t seem to change anything, we can be left empty, exhausted, worn down. Wanting to just give up. Weary.”

I wanted to give up…

But then God met me in my mess

We took a family vacation last September. One week together, away from the everyday, waiting for my body to miscarry our third baby. I sat in the sand with the waves lapping my toes and watched my husband play and romp with my boys like I was seeing them for the first time. I watched arms and legs flapping and flopping in the water, heard little voices screaming, “Watch THIS Mommy!” and held the hand of my man strong, knowing that God was giving me a gift, even as He took another gift away.

That week at the beach, as I grieved the loss of our baby, I found something I had lost.

Hope.

It was in my husband’s hand as he held mine, assuring me of his presence.

It was in the laughter of my children as they played with reckless abandon.

It was in the wind, blowing our hair straight up and everywhere.

It was in the waves, as they reminded me of the strength of God’s voice.

It was in a smile, a giggle, a touch. I saw my children display humility, perseverance, forgiveness, and grace. I watched my husband take out the trash, sweep, empty the dishwasher, and give me time to read. I saw the good, and overlooked the bad for the first time in a long time.

And I realized…

I’d spent so much time on my knees about the things that were wrong that I’d forgotten to look at the things that were right.

It’s easy to get stuck in the mess, isn’t it? We fall so far down in the pit that it’s hard to see the blue sky at the top anymore. Gloom and doom become the norm. We yell more because we see fault more, and we forget to look at the positive in our lives.

Can I challenge us friends? What if today we committed to looking for the good in our families? It’s there, I promise. You may have to dig long, hard, and deep to find it. You may have to pray and ask God to reveal it in areas you thought were beyond His gaze, but it’s there somewhere, waiting to give you hope.

And it’s in the looking that God meets you in your mess.

*****

I would love to bless five of my Better Mom friends with a free copy of Hope for the Weary Mom: Where God Meets You in Your Mess.

To enter, simply leave a comment below sharing one thing that is RIGHT about your family.

(Please be sure to leave your email address when you’re filling out the comment so we’ll have a way to contact you. Giveaway ends 12/23/11. For an extra special treat from Brooke, visit her blog today!)

143 Comments | Filed Under: Hope, Miscarriage

About Brooke McGlothlin

Brooke is a mom of two young boys who leave her desperate for God's grace. Her pursuit of being a better mom has left her at the foot of the cross, knowing that if God doesn't show up ... nothing happens. This dependence upon God to turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh leads her to her knees in prayer. She's the author of the best-selling eBook Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most, creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society. She offers hope for change to the hearts of women at her main blog, A Life in Need of Change.

Nada Sheppard @minimomist

One thing that is right with our family is our determination to love each other, no matter what. Whatever my husband and I might argue about, no matter what my daughter makes a mess of, no matter how much of a nag I can be, our family loves each other anyway.
Melissa

Our family has been through a great trial and it has been wearying and draining on us all. Nevertheless, my children enjoy their time at the piano and I am so blessed to hear them use the talent that the Lord has given them.
Pingback: Moms-Take 5 more!
Anonymous

Oh Brooke. This was really good. Thank you for sharing this. I’m in a season of weariness. In every way I am bone-to-soul weary right now, but I cling to hope… One thing that is RiGHT about my family, is that despite the naughty moments and typical childish behavior, I can see God moving in the hearts of my children…right now that gives me hope….
Pamela

Moving out of town, at Christmas, away from my immediate family and close friends was and is very hard. But what is so right about it is we are doing God’s Will. My husband taking a Pastor job and all of us are together.
Vicki Tillman

Right with my family: In hard times, we stop and pray together. We take moments off, make eye contact, and talk. We cry together. We find things to celebrate together.
http://www.susansamom.blogspot.com/ Susan S.

It has been a weary start to our Fall, a season full of illnesses. And yet last night I watched the littlest boy clamber all over his big brother – and all three of “my boys” – little, bigger and hubby play a loud game of catch through our living room. My breath caught. And it just felt right. How blessed we are with each other.
Becky Marshall

One thing that is right about my family is how we love each other unconditionally- and know we are loved unconditionally.
Angie Kerr

Love this and so needed to hear it. As much as I would LOVE a copy for myself, I have a friend who is deeply struggling right now with her two boys and I would gift her my copy, if I won.

As for what is right with my family: my teenage kids are really good kids (most of the time) and becoming strong Christians, which warms my heart!

http://twitter.com/BrookeWrites Brooke McGlothlin

Hey Angie…email me at brooke (at) brookemcglothlin (dot) com. I would like to gift your friend a copy whether you win or not

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=22404632 Tiffany Louzon

Being a mom of two boys, ages 2 and 4, one thing that is going right is when we have little conversations about heaven. For years I was afraid of heaven to the point of losing sleep over dying. Now I have a confidence that is rubbing off on my children. My four year old has deep conversations about heaven with us and I am so thankful to God that my fear is gone and I can share the hope and excitement of someday being in heaven with our Lord. It’s those little conversations that make it all worth it!
Heather Brandon

What is right are 2 beautiful 2 year old boys that scream “mommy” with delight when I walk through the door
Carly

We love each other and we laugh and have fun.
Thinetheglory

I don’t have a blog. I don’t have a book. I don’t have the strength to start a business on the side. I have chronic Lyme disease, and likely my children inherited it from me. But in all this MESS of illness, God shows Himself faithful to knit our hearts together in ways I didn’t know were possible. As we trust Him for the things we think we need, we find that what we need we already have: the love of Christ.
http://twitter.com/mom2justice amber schoen

I would have to say the one thing that is RIGHT with my family is that I have instilled in my son that prayer and gratitude are very important in our lives. I smiled and got a few tears in my eyes when we said our prayers and he said “God Bless everyone” and then after the “Amen” he started singing “Happy Birthday to Jesus”. If there is one thing that I am most proud is that my son knows he is loved and he in turn shares that love with others. He tells me “I’m so proud of you mom” when I wash his clothes. He says “Thank you for making me dinner” when I put his food in front of him. He automatically says his prayers before eating. THIS is my greatest achievement next to giving birth to my son 3 short years ago.

mom2justice@gmail.com
Shaye Strouse

I identify greatly with the above mentioned weariness, hopelessness, and incorrect focus. It is a constant cycle in my life. I am a homeschooling mom of four precious daughters who play the proper role of needing to be lovingly nurtured and taught the ways of the Lord. I am the one who messes up constsantly in my reactions to them….. I far too often find myself having to apologize and ask forgiveness. The one thing that is right, though, is God. I am ever thankful for His Spirit that brings me back to Him, back to His path. I am so thankful that He is longsuffering and that His compassion is new every morning!
http://profiles.google.com/cheryl.a.long Cheryl Long

I already have this wonderful eBook, Brooke. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this post today. I needed it. One thing that is right with our family is the way we hold each other up during times of weakness. There have been moments when my attitude isn’t right and my 19 year old has gently reminded me to “Race to the Cross, Mom!” Another instance: after placing a gentle kiss on the cheek of a grumpy teen, she immediately repented of her bad attitude and thanked me for loving on her. I love this about my precious family!
http://www.facebook.com/stinav96 Christina Marie Vickers

Brooke, last September, I was at the beach when I read about your miscarriage. I found out the day we left for the beach that I, too, was pregnant with our third child. My joy was guarded, though, as I felt like, even then, that my pregnancy was not to come to term. I balled my eyes out, reading your story, and it was as if the Lord in a gentle way prepared me subconsciously for the reality I would face come November: there was no heartbeat. There would be no baby. And we are doing really well. Or so I thought. But you have described how I’ve been feeling for several months in this post. Yesterday was a really low point. I got tired of my 5 and 2 1/2 year olds not listening to my instructions, of having to repeat everything I told them; tired of the results of their closed ears. There was a lot of yelling going on at our house yesterday, entirely by me. By the time my husband arrived home, I felt like I had lost my grace toward my children. Thank you so much for this post. Today is a new day. I am determined to focus on my 5 year old son’s intelligent humor, my daughter’s persistence and beautiful smile. I will focus on how much my children love each other, on how much fun it is for me (even though my son does not like “school”) to teach him to read and to memorize and to write. I will focus on how much my sweet husband is supporting me through these up and down, unexplainable emotions. I will focus on how good God is to have protected the little life He gave us for just a little while from the sin of this world. Thank you so very much for this post.

allboutyeshua@gmail.com

http://twitter.com/BrookeWrites Brooke McGlothlin

Thank you for sharing that Christina. It’s good to know that what I went through blessed someone else in some way. I’m praying for you right now

http://www.malisaprice.com Malisa Price

The one thing that’s right about my family is that my husband and I are on the same page!
Natalie

well said! i spend too much time worrying about the wrong and not enough about the right. my children are happy and healthy and we love each other. they have parents that love each other and a roof over their heads and food on the table. truly blessed.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-Kellum/1231872950 Amanda Kellum

What’s right in my family? When it comes time to say the blessing over meals, my 3 1/2 year old son bows his head and says “Amen.” at the end; and our 1 year old is aware enough that he’s realizing he needs to be quiet when we pray over meals. It’s times like that – the quick, ‘little’ things that I try to remember when things are crazy. I remember the first time we noticed (ok, so I peeked while we were praying) that Max (the eldest) was ‘praying’ too (bowing his head – but sneaking peeks at us). It made me so proud…I almost cried.
Kelly

We are learning how to forgive each other and look to God for our strength. kellykarmine@yahoo.com
MIranda

Sitting here in tears as this is EXACTLY what I needed this morning. Fortunately, my kids still continue to love me unconditionally when I’m at my wits end with them. They always know the right thing to say or do when I feel like I can’t take any more.
jnnewsom

I admit to getting caught in the mess as well and feeling weary. But what is right? We laugh-we love-and these last two hard years have brought us closer to Jesus.
Jessiemartinez4

We have each other and Christ…….I have been weary for a long time and this blog has really made me realize it is time to turn it all around!
Thank you so much!
Nbabin1

One of the things that’s right with my family is that we are a loving and forgiving bunch! We are quick to right wrongs and we understand that we are a team!
My email address is nbabin1@sbcglobal.net
Kerri Jorgenson

One thing that is right about my family is that they support me even when I am in the middle is a mess.
Kerri.jorgenson@gmail.com
Kerischreiner

What is right with my family….we are healthy, we have a house and nice things in it, we are learning about forgiveness and grace, and deep down inside each of us is love for the rest. I am a mother to a 15 yr, a 13 yr, and a 9 yr. The teen years are so different then the toddler years. We learn and grow each day.
Ancstever

I love the closeness of our family. We love just being together – being silly, whatever – together.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000137460357 Cathy Grasso Lange

I’d have to say the one thing that is right with my family right now is that we have each other for support. I feel weary right now, and I know this book would help make a difference! Your blog already helped me quite a bit. Thank you!
Denise Field

My son is generous and caring and thoughtful. My daughter is a joy and she is filled with an inner light that never stops glowing. My husband is a strong man who can hold our whole family on his shoulders as he lifts us all up to God in prayer. I am blessed beyond belief with my beautiful family. Today will be a wonderful day… because I get to spend it with them
Joschnauzers

I need to hear those words today. Thank you.
joschnauzers@yahoo.com
Carol Bruckmann

Isn’t this the truth! God has been teaching me the same things. I need to focus on what is right while He uses me to help correct what is wrong. Things tend towards chaos, but I keep my eyes on the cross!
Tonya

My family knows how to laugh and have fun together.
Cpatacco

My marriage seems to be lost, but what is righ t is that God has given my husband and I TWO beautiful miracles. My twin boys, born at 32 weeks, are happy and healthy 14 month olds. Spending most of my pregnancy on bed rest, in t he hospital to make sure my boys would survive, i never felt alone because i knew god was with me. My partner, our marriage, may be,lost right now, but God chose us to be blessrf by the the two most amazing beautiful boys. There is no greatet gift that i could gavr been blessed with….as challenging as my days and nights are. I would love to get a copy of ypur book, God knows o could really benefit from it during this extremely difficult time. Thank you for making me sit and think about what truly is right in my family. oh my email is cpatacco@yahoo.com
Vickilynn

You know, we as women go through “seasons” in your lives and our walk with G-d. Our perspective can sometimes change in these seasons and it is the Word of G-d that brings the truth, the right perspective and the big picture, sometimes bigger than we can see at the moment.

What’s right with my family is that we are committed to G-d and to each other, no matter what may come. We’ve been married 29 years, 5 children, weathered the death of our 3 1/2 year old, the severe injury at work of hubby, cancer for me and many more trials. Yet, we know this unshakable truth spelled out in Isaiah 43:1-3 that our loving Father will never leave us in the midst of the storm, he will walk THROUGH it with us – right by our side. Our family has experienced this several times and we know it to be true.

I would like to win a copy of this e-book to review it and share it with others who need it, myself first (as I believe we all need HOPE in a season of weariness) and then to another sister who I know will be blessed by it.

Thank you for making this opportunity available.

Love in Yeshua (Jesus)
realfoodliving@gmail.com
Micah 6:8
Jennifer

What is right about my family???? We are together…getting it all wrong sometimes, but TOGETHER. We will be visiting our extended families this Christmas (we only get to see them once a year since we live 14 hours away) and we will do it together. Our kids have mommy AND daddy with them in the same home. They don’t have to worry about going to spend half the holiday with this parent and the other part with the other parent…we will be together…and for that I am very grateful.
Halosbyamy

There are so many things right!!! I would have to say the one that stands out is the peace in knowing god is in control
Cristenney

One wonderful thing that is right is that my oldest boy (2) loves the world, loves others and just loves being around people, especially his “Dadat” and Mana.
Jennifer Malone

The biggest “right” in my family is that I see my kids love for the Lord. Even when they forget every family rule, lose all common sense, and are acting like weirdo’s. If I just hang in there, I see His love in them!
jenn dot mrs djm at gmail dot com
Jennifer Green

I have many things RIGHT in our family… this year will be a SIMPLE CHRISTMAS both by choice and by necessity as my dear sweet husband faces month 20 of unemployment. We rejoice in the promise fulfilled that our needs have consistently been MET, month after month. And through it all, I have three loving children who are focused on giving to others this Christmas Season rather than the scarcity under the Christmas Tree. My youngest daughter loving blessing each outgrown item of clothing so that the next child who gets them will love them as much as she did. My son baking cookies to hand out to neighbors who loved and supported us emotionally. My daughter gathering service hours at the local food pantry and ministries around town. We are blessed in the midst of the mess and are reminded of God’s presence … the presents of this season for us is that He is here.
Alison

So many special sweet things that are right about my family. Thank you for reminding me through your blog. One thing is that they are here and healthy with their sweet hugs and smiles snuggled up by the Christmas tree. jasonandalison@embarqmail.com
Tami

We have many things right in our family, along with many struggles, of course, but the biggest thing right is that we love the Lord and each other without end and choose daily to spend time together. Life can be difficult but we persevere!

kidznpetz@cox.net
Kristen

My family-each one of them–from the 2 year old up to the 12 year old (and the hubby)–tries their best each day to help in any way they can. Could be helping a family member or a stranger–but they look for ways to help.
Ann B

Phone calls that end with I Love You.
http://thechuppies.blogspot.com/ Kara @ The Chuppies

I love this one Brooke.
Something right/good?
When it comes right down to it…our kiddos’ would go down battling FOR each other, no matter what the cost. I love that! While they’re sometimes at odds, they quickly link up in support of each other when one is struggling or needs help.
Jacy

This is the second time in two days I have heard the words “look for what is going right.” Ok God! I’m listening! One of many things that is right about my family is that we are learning together…how to love God, each other, and others. jacylc@yahoo.com
http://sdpastorshome.blogspot.com/ clsykes

What is right in my family? The grace of God who changes the hearts of people. He took my angry, abusive, foster-to-adopt daughter, and turned her into a compassionate loving young lady. It’s been a long, hard, messy road – but one I’d gladly travel again to glorify the Lord!
Mommatree

I am new to your site and daily emails, but have so enjoyed them. Being a mom of 3 boys, I wonder if they are listening. They aren’t just listening they are watching. They have good hearts and want to do better.
Jennifer Ebersold

This made me teary-eyed. I have been so focused on WHY we can’t have another baby and all the misery/weariness we’ve endured month after month of trying, tests, medications, et cetera. I have to admit that I have forgotten that God gave me a wonderful miracle when he gave me the one son I do have.
S_channel

I just want to thank you for this post!!! You are going to reach a lot of people who need to hear the message of healing!!!!! I have been in both these situations – miscarriage of my third child – and enjoying my family on the beach (just this year)…it was amazing to me how healing that was!!!!! Anyway, just wanted to thank you for speaking up. Look forward to reading your book!!! Staci
Crystal

What is right with my family is we never turn our backs on each other. Even if we’re so mad we’re not speaking, we never turn away. Someone is always there without question, no matter how much of a mess we’re in. ccook@crystalwriting.com
ivory

One thing that is right about my family is that we (even through the hard times of disobedience, impatience and unkind words, etc) we are always there for each other, striving together to be better in and through Christ!!
ivory_franck@Hotmail.com
ivory

another thing that is right in my family is when my 2 yr old says to me or to his 6 month old brother, “i wuv u…” that does a mommy’s heart good…thanks for your blog…it brings me encouragement every
morning. thanks.
ivory_franck@Hotmail.com
Mary estalote

Thank u for ur story above ,,through that many will be encouraged as I have.
It’s just my hubby and I ,,,but recently after a long time spent hurt and with out realizing it ,I was operating out of resentfulness ,,but God is soooooo gracious as to how He gently and lovingly shows us our blind spots.. After I repented and asked my hubby for forgiveness,I suddenly was overwhelmed by a new found gratitude and appreciation for my hubby and was completely humbled and awe at how God does what He does..My heart was overflowing with love and gratitude.. When our hearts are so full of Him ,it just spills over to everyone were around..My hubby was set free so to speak as I was able through Christ to love him and appreciate him and except him for who he is in Christ once again and genuinely show it..My Raymond has always been a good guy, ,so good it was His example of Chrst that witnessed to me and made me hungry for God,,,but I had some blinders on that God had to remove..So what is right is that God really did allow me to marry His perfect choice for me,because he treats me like Gods princess everyday. Hes faithful ,loving , loyal,and learning everyday how to be a better Godly husband,,who loves me with his whole heart..
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1293062828 Cassie DeLapp

Only one thing that’s RIGHT in my family right now? Hmm lets see I choose to share that in the last year my husband who previously did not go to church with us nor did he believe Jesus was God’s son, has been attending church with us weekly and has also been taking communion for the past year.
Jessica

We are a team and God is our captain!
A Fortney

The one thing right about my family: My son’s smile!!!
Deborahgick

So many things are “right” about my family right now, but I’ve been in the throws of when things are “not right”, but then see God’s hand working thru those who love me just as He has sent your dear husband to you.
The thing I am SO grateful and thankful for is a husband who loves me no matter what. He is always faithful and one who I can count on. God has truly blessed me with this godly man, who seeks the Lord for all the things in his life as he leads me. We are celebrating 41 years in a few days. What a joy to be so blessed by the Lord thru this man.
Trtrowbridge

One thing right with my family is the love always love each other!
Tammy Trowbridge
Trtrowbridge at yahoo .com
Paula M.

Brooke . . . thank you for your transparency. I am weary from a long deployment with my husband gone; and Christmas just feels like one more “thing” I have to do on my own this year.

But what is right? An e-mail from him far away telling me that he loves me; postcards sent every day for seven months to every single person in this house (there are four kids and me) telling us how much he loves us; kids that team up to help their siblings when one has to replace a Christmas present; church friends who call at just the right time to offer support and encouragement; and a God who loves me every moment and carries so much of this for me.

My e-mail: mcguirepaula@yahoo.com
swhelchel

I am a mom of two of my own natural born children, and then the foster/adopt mom of a seven-year old meth baby. The timing of your post was a God-thing, as everything is if we only have eyes to see and ears to hear. This has been yet another time of increased spiritual battle for this girl’s very life and soul. I am weary. I look around and don’t see any good. All I see sometimes is the battle, the repurcussions, the hopelessness. But when I lift up my head, I have seen God work in ME, the Holy Spirit working in ME to produce patience and kindness and yes, perseverance….giving me the grace and strength to keep going, and battle my own sin nature. What is also good in our family is that there are four of us that are committed to praying through this spiritual battle, and an extended family that bathes us in prayer as well. Another glimpse of God’s good has come in the form of your post this morning, thank you.
Christie

One thing that’s RIGHT about my family is that we all love Jesus with all our hearts… And THAT is something that is so much better than having a good school day, having all the laundry done, having my house clean and organized, and dinner on the table right when my hubby walks in the door. All those details pale in comparison to knowing my children’s hearts belong to the Lord… The greatest parent of all time!!
Jamithy

Thank you for allowing God to use you. I was so blessed by your post today. I homeschool 5 of our children and we’ve been fostering to adopt for nearly 4 years now. I have “many” weary days ….where the fruit seems to be non-existant. But I too am reminded by the Spirit to be thankful in all circumstances and also remined to focus on praising Him in the midst of it all. Thank you for the reminder today…I needed it! My family is RIGHT because I know God designed our family to work together to bring glory to His name. My family is Right because when I take a minute to step out of the never ending homeschooling and cleaning that presents itself each day…I can see His work in each one of us! Praise Him for his work in us weary and broken vessels. sawades4christ@yahoo.com
Sunkissedfaith

that my husband and kids teach me so much about grace…they are always so quick to forgive, its beautiful.
sunkissedfaith@hotmail.com
Lablovers

Above all else and despite the day to day stresses, we love each other. That is a bond that can conquer the most difficult of times. We also know we are a team, we are McLaughlins. We will have each others backs. We as parents have learned (finally) it’s much better to parent with grace and love than the iron fist. There has to be discipline with love. Love first and for most should be our motivation and driving force.
Sharon

Two things that are right with my family: 1) My daughter has both a Mom and a Dad. Being a Mom and watching my toddler interact with my husband has been so eye opening to me. We offer such different things to our children, Mom’s and Dad’s. I can only imagine what a deep hole my daughter would have in her heart if she didn’t have her dad. 2) After a miscarriage earlier this year and feeling like we were never going to get pregnant again….we are
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=749862564 Mardi Peasley

We love each other no matter what and support each other through thick and thin.
ypwmardi@iowatelecom.net
Tonia C

What’s right with my family? I’m home. Keeping it that way is an exhausting, overwhelming job- and I wonder sometimes if it’s even worth it, but I’m here and we’re making priceless memories as a homeschooling family.

momma4god@gmail.com
jkbaxter612

Thanks for sharing your heart…I really needed to hear that. I recently had a miscarriage and let me tell you, it threw me for a loop. It made me question everything I knew not only about myself, but about what I knew of God, as well. I never doubted His sovereignty, but I did doubt His true love for me. I was hurt deeply, not only over the loss of my baby, but because I didn’t understand why God would allow my baby to die. It’s been 3 months now. I still hurt, but I’ve been making an effort to make my way back to God. To understand who He is, truly. In that 3 months, I’ve realized that I won’t always know the “whys”. I won’t always understand…and that is hard for a control freak like me! But this I KNOW: He is God, He loves me, and He cares for me. I can trust Him because He is faithful.

Now, for what is RIGHT about my family. I have a husband who works hard to provide for his family. He allows me to stay home with our children and homeschool them. He tells me I’m beautiful! My 10 yr old is so sweet and funny and smart. My 2 yr old is beautiful, spunky and determined. I love when they play together, share toys, and laugh together!
Lynette

What is right about my family? I have a husband who is willing to wait on tables in a cafe to keep food on ours after losing his well-paying, “high-ranking” job last May. I have a son who spent the Christmas money he received from his grandparents on gifts for his friends, even though he knows there will be little under the tree for him this year. In short, I have two men in my life who operate out of love every day of their lives and demonstrate godly manhood daily.

kevlynbro@yahoo.com
Sari

One thing that is right about our family is we are blessed by a Daddy/husband whose heart is seeking after God’s heart and is trying to turn our hearts back to the ‘Father’!
sari@stonyhillbarn.com
Dawn E S

Oh how I need this book and the reminder of the hope I try to find every day with a 2 yr old boy and another boy on the way this spring. Mothering is hard — I have always made a point not to sugar-coat it for my friends. Yes, I agree that it is amazing, but I let them see how hard it is in my daily life too. Motherhood shouldn’t be romanticized and make moms who feel weary also feel isolated not knowing that anyone/everyone else feels as run-down on some days as they do!

But I am so thankful for my family. My 2 year old son is the light of my life, and even though his endless talking and singing and questioning exhaust me every day, I know that it is because he is so curious about the world and that he is learning so much. He makes me so proud when he recalls and recites things that I never expected him to understand so young, including some Bible verses! He blows me away at his childlike faith in the world and in his parents…I try to maintain that innocent faith in my God, even though I know that I have walked through some valleys with God carrying me through and know my faith isn’t just simple….but it is just as true.
cassidy

One thing right with our family, we are quick to admitt our wrongs and ask forgiveness.
isaacandcassidy@gmail.com
Momof636

Thank you for this post I really really needed it.I’m a mom of 7 and all are not walking with God so this encourages me alot. I thank god I found this site by accident! Well the blessing of my family is that they are all saved and we do all love each other and are here for each other regard less .
Amy

One thing that is right about my family is that we love to laugh!
Douglassandpat

we’re all together.
douglassandpat@yahoo.com
Sheri P

Despite how weary I feel at end of the day. My kids do care about one another. We were at a crowded mall just yesterday and without saying anything to my 10yr(boy) and 12yr(girl) they grabbed each others hand and was walking together in the mall.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1436738828 Melisa Hills

That even though each one of them has the ability to make me nutty (especially as a group, lol), they each have the daily ability to bring a smile to my face.
The8dunlaps

Almost 2 years ago i was diagnosed with a mental illness, one that for years was breaking me down and stripping my spirit of joy. I was beyond weary to the point of deep despair. I’m thankful that God is showing me that even though I struggle with a mental illness, God has given me my identity in him and my illness has nothing to do with who I am. I’m thankful that Jesus has been lovingly restoring my joy in Him as I begin to look at my life in light of who I am in Him… Which is a beautiful woman who has a tender passionate heart for Jesus, for my Husband, for my precious 6 young children, and the people He puts in my life to bless and be blessed by. My life is rich and full despite many struggles. I am thankful for My husband who has understood me and loved me and still loves me when things feel dark, and I’m thankful for my children who have and continue to be light in my life.

The8dunlaps

Sorry I didn’t share my name….Becky thanks for your love for people and for sharing in your blog, it encourages me!

Brandi Watson

We have hope in Jesus Christ… and we have unconditional love for one another
Dee

Whats right is that my seven year old son is back home with my eleven and ten year old son and I…God is healing his heart and mind!!
Selena

Beautiful post! What’s right with my family is that we are willing to be patient and wait for the good to come back out of each other, even when the bad seems to hang around for a long time. We know that sooner or later, God will shine through again! Thank you. stefoneks at gmail dot com
Cherylcaffee

Oh so true – this is so hard. Motherhood the hardest job I have ever done in my entire life. Roller coaster of emotions. What is right? God is our coach and with Him all things are possible. We learn, fail, and succeed together! Cheryl – Cherylcaffee@Hughes.net

Thanks SO much for sharing!
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home

What a beautiful post, Brooke! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! You have bought glory to God and hope to so many of us moms out there who get weary! I love what you said about looking up and remembering the good, seeking God to reveal it to you! Prayers for healing are with you in your grief. May the Lord bring you the peace and comfort only He gives. Much love, Kelly
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home

What a beautiful post, Brooke! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! You have bought glory to God and hope to so many of us moms out there who get weary! I love what you said about looking up and remembering the good, seeking God to reveal it to you! Prayers for healing are with you in your grief. May the Lord bring you the peace and comfort only He gives. Much love, Kelly
Cheled77

I love that at the end of the day we gather our little boys on our bed, read from the Bible, say what we are thankful for that day, then pray. It blesses my heart so much to see the sincerity of my boys’ hearts. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book!
Michele
cheled77(at)hotmail(dot)com
Cheled77

I love that at the end of the day we gather our little boys on our bed, read from the Bible, say what we are thankful for that day, then pray. It blesses my heart so much to see the sincerity of my boys’ hearts. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book!
Michele
cheled77(at)hotmail(dot)com
Jeri

Ugh. I read your title, the first sentence, quickly sent it to my BF, took the dogs out (they have to go on a leash since our property isn’t fenced), dumb girl dog pushed thru 7yo dd and ran away, I screamed at the kids for the many things that quickly went wrong within the next 3 minutes, got the dog back in 20 min later, ripped into the kids more, took everything away from them that they left on the floor of their rooms, and then sat down and finished reading this post. Crap. You couldn’t have said it better, my feelings all together about children not getting along, not respecting each other, and on and on. But you asked for one thing RIGHT. We are healthy, no one is sick, no one is unable to do the things they need to do. They love me, I love them. More than 1 thing right. breathe in, breathe out.
Jeri at texaspiglets@gmail.com
Iadoremygirls

That we exist… Together.. With God.. Each of us needing Him as much as the other.
Sheena

Good afternoon Brooke! One thing that is right with my family is love and laughter. I’m a single mother of a 1 year old boy and an 8 year old girl. I also work outside the home full time so when we get home I am often very tired. We are headed into uncertain waters at the end of this month, but when I see my daughter and son playing together and hear their laughter…..it melts the troubles of my heart. Every time I see them at play, I am reminded of the simplest joys in life. So thankful for my 2 blessings!
Sheena

Sorry, my email address is ssanders@osbnbtc.org
Dbcawley

Recently my boys gave up a card game they played, throwing away their whole collections. We had challenged them with Phil. 4:8, asking them to hold this game up to the mirror of God’s Word; was there anything true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy in this game? They saw that there wasn’t and then obeyed God! I’m thankful for their willing obedience.
Specialkel

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read this article today. I felt as if I could have written it. I have been bone-weary and feeling like I could just give up. Ups and downs for the past 6 months too. BUT GOD, aren’t those the best words you could ever read? But God is with me and continues to sustain me in the hardest of days homeschooling 5 little ones under 9. Lately, I have felt that NOTHING is right with my family and that I do just want to give up. However, what is right??? Last night I had a surreal time watching my kids all work together to make dinner, cookies AND tend to their little sister who was sick on the couch. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My heart just filled up with hope again as I saw that they really do love me and their siblings! I posted on facebook these words…”Just plain thankful.” Oh mommys out there, may we never grow weary in well-doing…let’s keep at it!
Tika

Through it all, the fact that my husband has made sure he leads us spiritually is what is RIGHT with about our family. Having a 2 yr old autistic son and a bundle of joy 9 month old daughter, the days are busy running my son to various therapy appointments. But I have found comfort in the Word, praying, and worshipping in song as a result of my husband standing strong and ensuring we have our individual and family prayer time. In addition to ensuring we go to church and serve others despite our own circumstances, I am blessed to know my family is RIGHT in God’s eyes. The days are long and sometimes there’s chaos all around the house, but we are standing strong in the Lord and I know that’s RIGHT! tnt.smith@hotmail.com
Silvia

One thing that is right about our family is that we pick eachother up when we are truly down. When I have finally “had it” with everyone and put myself in time out the children sneak over quietly to give me some comfort, a kiss or a hug or a word of encouragement.
jacqui

Thank you so much for your post. It really encouraged me. One thing good about my family is that we love being together. We choose each others company.
Apmeyer17

One thing right about my family is, They are God’s perfect gift for me. My husband, Joey and mt three sons, JJ, Sam, and Sullivan, oh how I treasure them and their love for Jesus!
Sharon

My 5 year old son has been in the hospital battling leukemia since the end of this September. He will be there still for Christmas. But, the whole family will get to stay at the hospital Christmas eve so that we can all be together for Christmas.
Sarah

I needed to read this today. I needed to be reminded that in the mess, there is good! One thing that is right in our family is love. It’s there even when life gets messy and we all know that love will always be there.
Tracy Sheehy

One thing that is right about our family is God is at the center of it. Even there in our messes!
Lara

One thing wonderfully right in our family is the heart of compassion that I see in our son. He just turned 2 this week. When I have had a rough day & I’m literally in tears, he will come over to where I am, take my head in his hands & his beautiful brown eyes will look into my eyes to offer comfort. Makes my heart melt every time… Thank you for this post. It was a beautiful reminder. LaraHillMK@gmail.com
Lorie Heinrichs

Thank you so much for this “reminder”. It’s hard to realize this when the boys are taking the cushions off the couch, pushing each other down and being rough with other kids at the playground. Yet, this gave me hope and reminded me that this is why I do a 10 point gratitude list everyday.
The things that are going right in my life are my 3 year old boy always watching out for his 1.5 year old brother. My oldest makes sure my youngest always gets kisses and hugs before mom or dad leave. He make sure his “baby bro” gets a treat when he gets one. He tries to get his brother to pray when we pray before meals (although “baby bro” hasn’t mastered that yet). He just takes care of him. I know that no matter how much they wrestle and fight, they still love each other and take care of each other. That’s what is going right in my family
Anne Wessel

My four sons are now grown, ages 20, 23, 29 & 31. They were challenging, rambunctious, defiant, noisy, dirty, messy, curious, delightful, busy, rude, sweet, presumptuous, thoughtful, spontaneous, mean, kind and wonderful to raise. They broke my heart many times, but they restored my sanity as quickly as they threatened it.
This year, son #2 has invited all his brothers to his house for Christmas Eve for a brothers together for games and over-nighter event. And they have all arranged their lives to be there. I am unendingly grateful that they want to be together, that they consider each other friends, that the one who is following Christ purposefully and wholeheartedly is welcoming his less than believing brothers into his home and his heart intentionally. This is what is right just now in our family: that God is faithful and not finished with us yet.
Danna

I have three boys ages 11, 9, & 7. and what is right is that they share with each other and stand up for each other with other kids. Most nights they say grace part in unison, part in sentence prayer taking turns. God has truly blessed me with these three.
dandanjasdev@yahoo.com
Rlellis1101

What’s right about my family is that we are relatable – with three girls under 5, I don’t pretend that my days are all princesses and tea parties – my husband and I are parents under Grace!! Thankful for that!
Cswain20

We eat clean healthy food together as a family
Kim_B.

My kids really love each other. They fight and bicker, but at the end of the day, they are the best of friends. I’ve seen my oldest son stop something he is having a lot of fun doing to find his sister and tell her there is a cat nearby…
Sonya Schroeder

Wow this was needed to read for me. There are times I have been here and down that. Not knowing how I could go on. Then the Lord taps me on the shoulder and reminds that I have entrusted you with this man and these children and I know you can do this. Stop focusing on all the stuff going wrong and focus on what is going right. Thank you for these words and blessing me with HOPE!! Much Love Sonya
becomingawomanofgod@gmail.com
becky r.

Wow…I needed that. I have been so struggling with this. The laughter of my son and daughter, all of the time I get to spend with them, and my husband always giving and loving us. God has made it RIGHT. Thank you.
http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/ Darlene Schacht

That’s beautifully said, Brooke!
Michaele

The thing that is RIGHT about my family is so glaringly apparently to me now that my two oldest children at home from college for Christmas. We enjoy being together. The traditions we kept strong when our children were young are even stronger now and things like decorating the tree together and going for long drives, looking at Christmas lights, are things we all still enjoy….together. My children are now 20, 18 and 16. I am blessed that they still like me!
Thetimethief

That we know we’re not perfect and we love each other anyway.
JRS4boys

What is right with my family?? Having 4 boys has been a challenge, but they have grown to be wonderful young men. It starts with rules of the house. Love God with all your heart, all your mind & all your soul. Love your brothers!!! It is so important to respect & care for each other. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful christian husband to be their role model.
Kctaylorfamily

What a timely post!! Thank you for your transparency, it unfortunately is rare these days. I am a homemaker and homeschooling mom to 6 kids, whom I am so very grateful for, but I am tired. Days are hard, and long as my husband is a firefighter and works 24 hour shifts at a time. I am learning what life is like in “the rock tumbler” right now. A lot of refining, for sure!! But the main thing that is right in our home is that each person loves God deeply, and we are always working on loving/serving others!!! LOVE is the key!! 1 Corinthians 13
kctaylorfamily@gmail.com
Tiffany

One thing that is right in my family is that we submit daily to God and HIS Plan for our family. We do not always succeed at doing this; but we are trying and failing everyday. His Grace sees us through and we love each other more each day as we continue to learn new things about the 5 of us.
Dawn

We are healthy and able-bodies when so many we know are struggling with illness or a death in the family. I thank God that even on the difficult, seemingly meaningless day, that I am so blessed to be a stay at home mom these past 13 years.
Hildacrowe1

my family is very loving and funny
Jossandthadsmom

My family is right where we are supposed to be! Joss is our joy, Thad is our negotiator and my dh steps in right when I need a break. I am blessed in this mess!
Nickole S
Sarra

My kids truly love each other, even when they don’t share it. When something horrible happens they all band together like one strong army and do whatever needs to be done. I love that about. They always rise to the occasion!
thehudsonfam@comcast.net
Janine

I would be so blessed to read your book! My hands have never been more FULL and thankfully my heart has never been more full in the Lord’s hope and convicted I’m in His will!! It didn’t come overnite… it’s been peaks and valleys. A wise mom once said, “embrace the chaos” and God will meet you there. I wanted to vomit at the thought. I had a 2.5 yr old boy that challenged me to my core as & was expecting #2 (also a boy). There was nothing about chaos that I enjoyed then. And low and behold after a miscarriage, 2 moves, 2 job layoffs for my hubby, financial prudence, me with a broken foot & 4 months of no walking/driving, a rocky marriage and a SURPRISE baby- a girl; I dance and laugh in the chaos- John 10:10 for life ABUNDANT.
Judy Beachy

What is right is that my husband and boys teach me more about forgiveness than anyone ever has. They forgive me and love me so freely… I’m blessed!
Christina

My family is resilent!! We keep trying to make things better!

Wow I would love this book! I need this book. My family is resilient! We have been In a mess for while but we keep fighting. Thank you for this wonderful message! Christina mooretc5@aol.com
Claire Cook

Times are stressful. Hubby has no job. We have 6 mouths to feed. God is taking such great care of us. I may not express it to Him enough, but I love Him & he loves me!
Lisa Jefferies

Thank you for this post. I needed it! What is right about our family? God put us together for a divine reason. Without my family, I would be an entirely different person. I appreciate their love and having people around me each day.
Mksanto213

mksanto213@aol.com There are lots of things RIGHT about my family, but the most important thing thats right, is that Christ is the foundation and center of our home, anything else thats right….comes in direct correlation to that
http://profiles.google.com/avoncorrynn Corrynn Bradford

My husband and I have 2 beautiful children our son 5 and our daughter is almost 1. We just celebrated our 2 year anniversary yesterday and the thing that is RIGHT with my family is how God made us a family. I got pregnant at 19 with our son and although my husband wanted to get married right then I knew I was too immature I went my own path and dated/ slept around and was on the verge of becoming an alcoholic I got pregnant again with a guy I was dating he wanted me to have an abortion I was having major complications I thought I was miscarrying my now husband and I were still friends through everything and he told me if I didn’t miscarry he still loved me and wanted to marry me and would raise this child as his own (along w/ our son) I ended up miscarrying but we did get married later that year. My RIGHT in my family is the Christ like love that my husband showed me and continues to even now. He was willing to raise another mans child as our own and forget all that I had done in our time apart because he loved me so much. We have our struggles and I am a VERY weary mom right now. I would love a copy of this book!!!
WizDumbSpeaques

What’s RIGHT about my family is that we are all alive, healthy, and loving one another daily…
Sylvia Wells

What’s right about our family – God created it and He sustains us too.
Tiffbozo

My family is happy and healthy….
Laura K Randall

What is right ~ that my boys are growing in their ability to be grateful and to offer forgiveness.
Jayne

One thing that is right about my family is that we always cling to Jesus, no matter what storm hits.
Judy Dudich

Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for an opportunity to win a copy!
What is “right” about my family is that Christ is our center…and this means that no matter what is “wrong” with our family will always turn out “right ” through His love and mercy and grace.
My email is: mrstdd@frontiernet.net.
Thanks again for this great giveaway:)
lolo_666

I forget sometimes to remember the simplicity and love of my daughter and 4 stepkids. I expect too much out of them sometimes and should just remember their individual strengths and not take my frustration from work, or my personal issues out on them. They are beautiful and smart kids and I am blessed to be with their father and have a great family.
lauren_t_19@yahoo.com
Amy

Thank you for this post. I feel weary a lot of the time, but there is a lot of good, too. My husband is a true partner and is really growing in the area of spirtual leadership. My children bicker a lot, but they also are very generous with each other.
Michelle

Oh my this was just what I needed to read today. As I sit here with tears in my eys the first RIGHT thing that comes to mind about my family is…they are my family and they love me as much as I love them. As long as I hold on to that we can get through anything. Thank you…Michelle Key…Keymic74@yahoo.com
http://hljourney.wordpress.com/ HLJourney

Brooke… what a blessing to share – as I’ve been so weary & stuck in losses (I could go on & on), but that’s you’re point – and I greatly thank you for allowing God to use you. One right thing: Even though times may be tough, we’re still a family together – working things out! Still enjoying the gifts we have & watching our boys grow & learn… play games, and sing songs! Now I’m on a roll – gonna go find my blessings journal & start righting again! Thanks!! Hugs, HL
Erin

One thing thats right… My boys (ages 3, 6, and I all are learning to admit our shortcomings, forgive each other and move on without grudges…
Shemaschool

We LOVE each other and we apologize when we are mean to each other…
Meg

What is right is we are in it together no matter what! We are quick to say sorry and quick to say I love you….
Cylynn

One thing is that is right in our family is the laughter we share each and everyday when the tickle monster makes an appearance. cylynn @ gmail . com