A More Disciplined Life

The last couple of weeks, I have been trying to live a more disciplined life.   In “Christian circles” we often talk about the spiritual disciplines; praying, reading Scripture, silence, and the like.   While I have been trying to incorporate that in a little more as well, I am talking about another kind of discipline.  This is the do the laundry, wash the dishes, make dinner, get your crap together sort of discipline.  Let me tell you folks, I have been slacking in these areas for quite some time; dreading the thought of putting together a meal plan, cringing at folding yet one more towel.  But guess what?!!  Unbeknownst to me, doing these things has actually made my life less stressful!  Yes; less stressful!  Each day, I have been going to bed feeling like I accomplished something and that is worth folding one more towel!  I’m finding though, that I still don’t have enough time to do all of the other things that I love, like reading and sleeping- maybe when the kiddos get a little older.  J

Also on my mind most of the time are the musings of this wonderful author named Glennon Doyle Melton.  If you haven’t heard of her, you must, must, must, check out her book, Carry On, Warrior.   Oh, and also, read her blog at momastery.com.  That might be the best choice you can make today.   Go.  Read.  Now. 

P.S.  Here’s a little video to tide you over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbIVi_hFJsg

A Few of My Favorite Things

Wow. They weren’t kidding when they said that three years old is harder than two years old. As of late, I have really been struggling with my three and a half year old. There is pretty much no one else on the planet right now that can push my buttons like my little lady can. It’s pretty unbelievable actually.

I have been talking with close friends about methods of discipline, ways to keep my heart and words in check; and how to navigate this crazy thing we call “parenting.” It’s challenging. Definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Definitely.

I could (and have) talked circles around this subject. And so, while I sip my gin and ginger after a long few weeks of hard parenting, I want to reflect on some of the wonderful things about my sweet daughter. Here, in no particular order, are a few of my favorite things.



- She is just so gosh darn beautiful. Several times throughout the day I just stare at her and wonder how on Earth she could be so gorgeous.

- She has a great sense of humor. I mean, belly laugh, sense of humor.

- She loves her daddy and tells him that in numerous ways all the time.

- She really enjoys art.

- As of late, she loves building things out of duplos and blocks. So, so fun.

- She is so uninhibited in everything she does; whether it be singing at the top of her lungs, or running around in circles, she is not scared to be who she is.

- She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to express her opinions.

- Her eyes tell me so, so much.

- I love when she creeps out of her room after naps and says, “Mama, I just popped out of bed.”

- Though she seems to be quite timid in some areas, she is not scared of any rides at a carnival or amusement park.

- Her memory is incredible. INCREDIBLE.

- She loves, loves, loves to read.

- She is learning how to be a big sister and to love her brother. It brings me so much joy to see them loving and enjoying one another.

- She cares for me and is concerned when I am hurting, in pain, or upset.

- The kid has got a sweet tooth like no other.

- She loves her grandparents and often asks about them.


Tonight, I’m tired and worn out and overly emotional. But, it does my heart good to reflect on some of the things I love about this sweet three and a half year old. It does my heart good.