by Jess Connell · February 4, 2015

  1. Get into Scripture more than you are currently doing. Dig more. Study more. Read more. Memorize more! It is the one thing that will always make you wiser, richer, and change you. Let it be what flows from your mouth in counsel & conversation, in good times & bad. Treasure it!
  2. Seek to serve and love Doug better each passing month and year. This is a decision you will never regret. Keep your commitment to “just say yes” to sex. One day, you’ll look back and be so thankful for each caress and kiss you shared.
  3. I know you’re tired… but LOOOOOOVE those children with your affection and smiles. Yes, even the older ones. Maybe I should say “especially the older ones,” as it is so easy to snuggle and giggle with the little guys. Laugh. Joke. Tickle. Play. You used to be better at this than you are now, but despite the fact that you are older and tireder, you can reclaim ground in this area. They need it. And you will not get these days back.
  4. Don’t grow weary raising your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. You, your children, and your grandchildren, and their children, will reap the benefits of this. Pour the Bible into them. Keep communicating openly about life, sin, challenges, and what discipleship means. You’re doing well so far… don’t let this slack with the younger children. They need your intentionality just as much as the older ones did/do.
  5. Forgive them and show mercy as lavishly as you do with Doug. You’re good at it with him; God has grown you in that. But you still struggle with extending grace to your older children. Sweetheart, they are sinners like you. See them rightly– as the precious gifts they are. See them with eyes of love– like you do with Doug. Even while you discipline and train them, give them gracious, generous forgiveness.
  6. Keep fighting those fits of anger. You’re right to see it as sin. Keep seeing it that way and don’t let up in your war against it. The more work you do now, the less of an issue it will likely be in your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s hearts & lives.
  7. Seek to honor your parents more purposefully. They won’t be here forever. Now is your chance; don’t waste it.
  8. Fix your eyes on Heaven. Let it be what thrills you and motivates you more than anything else– more than money, praise of man, having good relationships. Keep your heart tuned toward your eternal home. These years will pass, and your time to face Heaven as a reality will come sooner than you realize.
  9. Commit yourself to the local Body of Christ with vigor! This is the best way for you show the world the shocking, beautiful ways of Jesus.
  10. As God gives time and “margin,” discerningly invest in younger women. Pour yourself out for those who truly want to be like Jesus & are willing to do the hard work– the heart work– of sanctifying change.

Thanks, Katie, for the idea & nudge to do it.

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Tags: angerBible studychildren are a blessingdisciplineeternityGrow on purposeHeavenintentionalitymarginmarriagemommotherhoodsexwife

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