Daughters

The GirlsI've been asked to speak at a women's conference next week in Tuscaloosa. I am so excited! Guess what topic they've asked me to speak? Mother daughter relationships. One of my greatest joys is my relationship with my girls and their relationship with each other.
I've known for a while about this engagement so I have been thinking about what direction I would take. I've been more in tune to conversations with my girls and treasuring each moment and hoping somehow to turn my heart flooded with emotion into an inspirational talk.
God is so faithful, and He sweetly reminded me that it's not about me but about Him, and He led me to I Corinthians 13. Perfect! So this week as the Lord prepares me, I would love to share with you what He teaches me through His word.
I Corinthians 13:1, "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or clanging symbol.How do you speak to your girls? That's a pretty simple question. Think about it for a minute. Maybe your first thought is "could you rephrase the question?" Maybe, how do you speak to your girls "when?" ""When" I've asked them to clean their room 5 times, or "when" we're late to school, or "when"we are in front of others...
Scripture says it doesn't matter "when" you speak to your daughter or what the circumstances, if you don't speak to her in love you become a noisy gong or a clanging symbol and she won't hear a word.
You can easily avoid becoming a clanging symbol if you begin your day with the Lord, and in His strength every time you speak to your daughter it's done in an attitude of love. Even when they are infants you talk to them, sing to them and develop that sweet bond through communication. When they are toddlers, take the time to talk and teach and listen. At the end of the day, what's most important? The fact that the house is clean, you completed 4 loads of laundry and dinner is on the table, OR,  that you enjoyed a tea party, read story books, played dolls, finger painted, and completed only one load of laundry and had cereal again for dinner. I unashamedly say the tea party is way more important.
In middle school, they have so much to say, be a good listener. In jr. high school, if you've laid the groundwork for good communication then chances are that you will still have it. However, if she begins to pull away, run after her! Stay strong. Don't shy away from difficult topics. Big issues wrapped up with love plant seeds in the heart and bear sweet fruit later.While she is in high school, remember she does not need another friend, but she still needs her mama. You are teaching and listening allowing her to fail, learn, and grow.
Think before you speak. Speak in love with your daughters. Relentlessly pursue her. She is your gift from the Lord.
Thanks for stopping by! love love love Ruthie