Search Results

MENTOR, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, "GODLY MOTHERHOOD" PODCAST HOST GET MENTORED Ready to learn from a mom with over 45 years of experience? I EQUIP MOTHERS TO CHOOSE CHRIST OVER CULTURE... Urgency is the word I use to describe why I mentor moms to raise GENERATIONS of Christ followers. God has instilled such a deep desire within me to help women uproot lies. Whether it's through their personal identity to the way they disciple their kids, I equip moms to lead their children to The Way instead of the world. You might wonder why I'm so passionate about moms. It's because I was once the woman who tried to be a "good" parent. At the time, I didn't realize I was filling the expectations of family or society, instead of fixing my eyes above to purposely become a GODLY parent. I raised two kids, only to realize that they were "typical" teens and young adults...instead of being set apart for Him. Before our third child came home, my husband and I agreed to parent our baby to love, honor, and shine Christ. We crafted a purposed plan and remained committed, even when trials like deaths in the family and job losses happened. Later, we brought our fourth child home at the age of nine years. Despite facing unique medical and learning needs, we gathered at the feet of our Father and stayed with that Purposed Parenting Plan. In following years, our firstborn daughter passed away in her twenties. This devastating loss drew me even closer to Christ. He showed me just how VITAL it is to focus on eternity. Mothers get distracted - paying attention to the "now" (the right crib, which school their kids will attend, how to approach the middle school and teen years). But remember, your children are on loan. God has ENTRUSTED you to steward them for Him. That's why I speak at events, appear on podcasts, wrote my book, and welcome media features. Are you ready to delve deeper in your relationship with Jesus? Let's pursue GODLY motherhood together. I invite you to join me in a Spirit-led movement to normalize GODLY over GOOD parenting. Featured On APPROVED BIO FOR PRESS & MEDIA Terri Hitt is an experienced mom of four, having raised two "sets" of kids over the course of two generations. Married to her high school sweetheart for 46 years, Terri has navigated marriage and motherhood through many different seasons of life, and has mentored countless women. With an urgency to equip women to become godly moms, Terri leads mothers to choose Christ over culture. She does this through her book, The Good Mom Trap , the Godly Motherhood Podcast, and The Set-Apart Collective™ program. Stop Being a Good Mom and Become the Godly Parent God Entrusted You to Be Disciple the Heart, Not Discipline the Behavior How to Raise Kids to Choose Christ over Culture Children Are on Loan – What Heavenly Deposit Are You Multiplying in Them? Purposed Parenting through Christ to Build Generational Faith How Your Identity Is Sabotaging Your Kids Don’t Raise Typical Children Don't Raise Typical Teens How My Daughter's Death Changed My Life How to Raise Children More Influenced by Parents than Peers How to Stop Living for Today and Focus on Eternity Guest speaking, podcasts, articles, etc. LET'S CONNECT Tell me about yourself - your media proposal and budget - and which topic lights YOU up. (Please title the email Subject, "MEDIA"). info@terrihitt.com TOPICS THAT LIGHT ME UP

Do you desire to stop reacting in the moment and parent with purpose? Are you ready for a deeper connection with Christ and your child? Purposed Parent/Connected Child episodes focus on educating and equipping you to recognize the unique individual God entrusted to you and will empower you to partner with Him to parent with eternal perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective View all episodes Godly Motherhood View all episodes Do you desire to stop reacting in the moment and parent with purpose? Are you ready for a deeper connection with Christ and your child? Godly Motherhood episodes focus on educating and equipping you to recognize the unique individual God entrusted to you and will empower you to partner with Him to parent with eternal perspective. All episodes Are you in need of hope? Is your spirit lacking joy? Do you seek peace? Are you tired of comparison? The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast was created for women to sharpen their understanding of Jesus and uncover all He desires for us to live a rich life and deepen our love for Him. Uncover how eternal perspective extends beyond our personal walk. Cling to the truth that Jesus has a unique plan for your life and learn how to choose Him over culture. Future episodes will continue to emphasize an intentional, eternal perspective lifestyle while focusing on faith, life, relationships, parenting, and simply sitting at the feet of Jesus to mature our hearts in genuine worship and gratitude. All episodes FIND WHAT YOU NEED

I'm Terri Hitt, Christian Motherhood Mentor. I equip women to STOP being good moms - and become GODLY moms who parent with a heart for eternity and raise kids who chase Christ over culture. a Purposed Parenting Plan™️, learn a Motherhood Mindset Model™️, parent the heart of your child, not just the behavior, and learn to disciple, not punish. I also offer a weekly podcast, Purposed Parent Connected Child. Do you know the difference between a GOOD mom and a GODLY mom? Hint: A GOOD mom loves her kids but gets sidetracked by day-to-day activities and responsibilities. A GODLY mom lives with eyes on eternity and chases Christ over culture with her kids. Which do you want to be? I WANT TO BE A GODLY MOM! If you're like me, you want your children to have the fruits of the Spirit , but it begins with YOUR walk with Jesus... Your heart may yearn for an even better relationship with your child , but over time commitments and chaotic days crowd out plans you had to grow in Christ. You might feel guilty because you haven't prioritized growing your own relationship with God . It might feel like you don't have enough time in a day, so you hope that your children will somehow mature their walk with God at a once-a-week church service... You're a good mom. Are you ready to become a GODLY mom? Have a deeper CONNECTION with your kids Know how to lead kids to CHRIST, no matter what today's CULTURE looks like STOP being a GOOD mom, so you can become a GODLY mom I WANT TO BE LEARN MORE! SCHEDULE A CALL Schedule a time for a FREE, 15-minute call to talk about how I can help you. Let's exchange emails LISTEN TO THE PODCAST The Godly Motherhood Podcast episodes equip you to choose Christ over culture for your family. On this podcast, we don't settle for lukewarm relationships with our kids, we're all about practical, biblical ways to connect with our children. Listen to the podcast RESOURCES Are you ready to read personalized, faith-led resources for your connection with Christ and your children? Browse my FREE e-book resources to become a godlier mom. View the resources Testimonials "I am always amazed, encouraged, and inspired by listening to Terri's podcasts. She is like your modern Esther of the Bible. Terri embodies such a love for the Lord and a strong clarity about life in a confused culture. Her messages and topics are timeless and relevant. Her mission to mentor women on choosing Christ over culture and to raise children to love and follow the Lord is contagious. I have followed Terri for some time, and I am always in awe at the wonderful things stored in the treasures of her heart. May God continue to bless the work of her hand." Liz - heaven4thehome.com Remember, your child was entrusted to you by God for mentorship and discipleship. You and your children were created for relationship and deep connection with one another and Christ . Children desire relationshi p that fills individual needs inside them based on their unique personality and interests. Only Christ's truths can transform you into an attuned mother for the children He placed with you. I need to share an important truth: If you are not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. Your children will build identity or confidence through what society, peers, and culture preach. They'll follow the world instead of the Way. I used to want to be a GOOD mom... Losing my firstborn changed my perspective. While raising her I thought I was following Christ, but busy moments influenced me to act more like a mom following the world instead of the Way. My heart and eyes were opened. I no longer wanted to be a good mom, but a GODLY mom. Choosing CHRIST over CULTURE is my ongoing goal as a parent, and I know you want the same for you, too . HI, I'M TERRI → Here's a truth: Christ created connection and knows the way to your child's heart is through Him . He has given you privilege, purpose, and power to raise godly children for Him . That's why I equip you with a PLAN that is as unique as your children and desires are: BECOME A GODLY MOM "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 WHY being a good mom isn't enough ... FREE EBOOK GET THE FREE EBOOK You're on your way to becoming a GODLY mom! Make sure to check your spam folder so youdon't miss your free e-book! Christian Parenting Author Terri Hitt Good to Godly Book On the BLOG How Much Time Should I Spend With God? How many times have you sat with the Father wondering how much longer the passage you were reading would last? Or maybe you wondered whether you've spent enough time in prayer. Is Spanking Biblical? Why do some parents choose to spank instead of correcting their children in another way? What do we think we’re teaching our children when we respond with such forceful correction? Should spanking be the first act a parent takes when a child needs correcting? Are parents behaving biblically when they spank? Or are they succumbing to frustration? Grasp God's Gifts Lord, please help me hear You whisper when opportunities are presented that might be interpreted as distractions. Help me recognize Your hand in events. Even those I see as problems or pressures. Each day You offer moments I can choose to grasp or let flutter to the ground unseen or unused. My Life Story on Out of the Darkness with Ruth Hovsepian - Parenting with an Eternal Perspective When I parented my first set of children, I was a baby myself. Having them at eighteen and twenty-one made me the youngest mother. View All Posts Statement of Faith and Email Address Step 1 Visit The Set-Apart Collective page. Next Steps Step 2 Fill out your application. BECOME A GODLY MOM Step 3 It's official: You're going to become a GODLY mom! Statement of Faith Terri Hitt believes Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. At Terri Hitt Co., LLC, we seek to know Him more clearly and humbly depend on Jesus more each moment. We joyfully strive to equip women to leave a legacy of Christ for their family and future generations. We believe in the Truth of God’s Holy Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and strive to follow Jesus in life, as well as in coaching practices.

Joy filled his eyes as he rushed down the stairs to lay on my lap. Pressing in as close as he could get, he flopped his furry head against my chest and relaxed. Totally at peace, my Golden Retriever would have abided with me for hours. While I lovingly petted him, my thoughts were swirling with distraction..."I've got to get up now." "What do I need to begin next?" "Should I tackle this project first?" "Have I given my dog enough time?" Sitting with my dog reminded me of the way we often devote time to our Heavenly Father. How many times have you sat with the Father wondering how much longer the passage you were reading would last? Or maybe you wondered whether you've spent enough time in prayer. As my dog rejoiced in uninterrupted time with me, I thought of the way God patiently waits for us to release schedule and simply come rest in His presence. However, in our busyness, we often count the minutes until we can finish our time with Him. How Much Time Does God Expect The way we view our sovereign, holy God is different than what He deserves. Our scheduled days planned to the microsecond keep us at a pace that often leave no time for rest or solitude. Through the rush, we tend to think of God with a convenient one-size-fits-all mentality that makes us believe that we can "time in" and "time out" with Him, then continue our day with an "I've checked the box attitude" that leaves our spirit empty. Because we never fully commit to resting in His arms, we continue longing for the relationship our soul was crafted to crave, leaving emptiness where we could experience fullness with the One our heart desires. In His sovereign holiness God requires fellowship that deepens and matures our walk with Him. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart ." Just as my sweet dog seeks me out no matter where I go in the house because he longs for time with me, when we purposely pursue God through relationship with His Son, the fruits of the Spirit are evident as they nurture and provide for every need within. The Choice Is Mine (and yours) 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, " So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God ." My Golden retriever is simply content to rest in my presence. No matter the activity, if I include my dog in it, he remains by my side. In contrast, God is with us even when we don't include Him. While my dog nudges my hand with his head to gain my attention, God's voice is a whisper speaking to my spirit, showing me the Way, the Truth, and the Life, if only I heed His Word. Just as Scripture says in James 4:8a, " Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, " our Father lovingly, patiently waits for us to seek Him. Unlike my dog, He is quietly present without forcing himself to be noticed. Yet, He calls for my spirit to receive Him. I find that the more time I spend in God's presence, reading His Word, praying, conversing, and listening, the more my desire to be with Him multiplies. I stop asking, "How much longer do I need to read?" I no longer think, "How much time should I spend with God?" Or "Maybe I'll read the Bible later. I've got to get this chore done first." I find joy in being with God and it causes me to want to be with Him longer. As I move toward nearer to God with intention moment by moment, I understand that He was already with me all along. Now, instead of walking behind or beside Him, I simply rest in His arms and allow Him to carry the load. The invitation stands for each of us.

When I became a parent at the age of eighteen, I had never held, fed, or diapered a newborn . Everything I knew about parenting came from babysitting my younger siblings. Of course, I also considered how my parents had raised me, but we had a lot of times left alone as children, and I was determined to change what I didn't like. That also left me free to incorporate what I did appreciate. Because of my inexperience, I respected authorities in the parenting space at the time I became a mother. Whether that figure came in the form of doctor, magazine article or book I read, or simply through speaking with and observing other parents, at my young age, I respected voices that seemed to carry wisdom, as well as established older mothers. I believed they must know what they were talking about simply because they were experienced. When my husband and I raised our first set of children we disciplined them as we had been punished as kids. When the need was there, we spanked. However, years later, when my husband and I knew God was calling us to bring home our sweet baby girl in China, we considered what God would consider the correct way to raise and discipline the precious child He was gifting to us. By this time, we had matured our walk with God through a deeper relationship with Christ. As we considered how we parented our first set of children, we also considered whether our techniques reflected God or followed societal expectations. One of the things we reconsidered was our method of discipline. Checking our Thoughts About Spanking Did you know that the word discipline actually means " training to act in accordance with rules? " After we parented our first set of children, we could see that the way we'd corrected behavior in our previous set of children had largely been to train them to follow rules. But those rules were the way we expected them to behave according to expectations of society . We wanted them to grow up to be kind, successful, loving rule followers who did what was expected. As we prepared to begin our second journey of parenthood a generation later when we brought our baby home, we realized we had parented the first time more from a worldly viewpoint, rather than drilling down to discover exactly how God desired us to parent through His Word . We were young and ignorant, although we were always told that we carried such wisdom for our age. Instead of seeking insight from God's Word, studying the mistakes and successes of biblical characters, and praying for God's constant direction with each of our first two children, we unknowingly gave higher priority to the "experts" of this world rather than God's Word. Because we were adopting a baby who would already be ten months old when she came to us, we made sure to study and learn much about adoption parenting, which included building strong connection. Learning these techniques made such sense to me. In fact, this parenting style seemed to be the best way to build strong attachment with any child, not just one who came from challenging places. Checking the World's View on Spanking As my mindset shifted from a "typical" foundation of parenting, I deeply desired to be a mother who was pleasing to God first, and who built strong attachment with my child that would lead her to strong connection with Christ . I recalled that the word discipline actually means " training to act in accordance with rules" and realized the key was in training kids to follow God's rules instead of the world's expectations. Finding the way to guide the heart of my baby daughter and connecting deeper with my older children would come through viewing discipline not as punishment, but as discipleship for Him . What do I mean by discipline as discipleship, not punishment ? I'll share a story that will highlight my explanation. I was on a neighborhood walk recently when a loose dog was crisscrossing the street and a screech of brakes alerted me that it was almost hit. Terrified by the sound and the loud voice of the driver, the dog stood frozen in front of the car. When the owner heard the commotion and saw his dog standing in the roadway, he lovingly called from his yard for the dog to come to him. Seeing his beloved, trusted master and hearing his sweet call, the dog quickly ran home, expecting safety. Instead, as soon as the dog reached him, the owner beat his dog and yelled at him for being in the street. Will this act change the behavior of the dog? You may argue that a dog and a child can’t be compared as they don’t reason the same. However, according to developmental tests reported by NBC News, even the average dog has the abilities of a toddler. In some areas, dogs are even more intelligent than preschoolers. Speaking of preschoolers, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, they’re the most likely group to be spanked. I don’t want to make this post to come across as shaming, but I do want parents to realize the gravity of the gift we’ve been given. We are raising children for the Great I Am. Checking Expectations Around Spanking We want to be good parents.   Of course we want to do our best. But remember, our best falls far below the standard of our holy Heavenly Father. That’s why we must, as those entrusted to parent for God , stop and evaluate the reasoning behind why we make specific decisions and why we take certain actions to discipline or disciple. Why do some parents choose to spank instead of correcting their children in another way? What do we think we’re teaching our children when we respond with such forceful correction? Should spanking be the first act a parent takes when a child needs correcting? Are parents behaving biblically when they spank? Or are they succumbing to frustration? What prompts a parent to grab the belt, hair brush, or forcefully use their hand in an effort to teach their child? Most parents who spank were spanked as children. It’s the way they were raised, so it’s what they remember and revert to. But does that mean it is the best method for training God’s children in righteousness? Is spanking the choice we should make to build connection with God and us ? Many parents also share that the reason they spank is to cause pain that changes the behavior of their child. We have to consider what type of changes pain will bring. Surprisingly, research also indicates that parents will hit their child more frequently when they are an active or strong-willed boy between the ages of three to four. When you hear that statistic, how does it make you feel? Does the fact that boys disrupt quiet or make messes make them targets for spanking? Does spanking make them better men when they grow up? Or will a relationship built through teaching and connection make the necessity to spank disappear? The answers to these questions are what parents should seek before deciding to spank. Frequency of spanking also varies based on parental or child age, race, gender, education, or socio economic status of the family. The topic of spanking is a divisive one. Most people have feelings one way or another. As I shared earlier, those feelings often stem from the way parents were disciplined as a child. Checking God's Word on Spanking One Bible verse is often quoted as evidence to back pro-spanking parents. Proverbs 13:24  says, “ Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” If we look at the verse with an observant, knowledgeable heart and take our thoughts captive for Christ to prayerfully seek God’s wisdom in this area, we may come to a different conclusion about spanking. For example, Strong’s Lexicon, a type of concordance, teaches that the rod  was generally a stick used by shepherds for protecting and guiding their flocks. Shepherds used the rod to steer the sheep in the right direction, or to keep them gathered when they strayed. The rod was also used to fend off predators or warn and comfort the sheep. Used these ways, the rod isn’t  a tool for inflicting injury. Instead, it is a tool for loving, protective guidance . When many parents hear the word discipline, they imagine spanking or another form of punishment. However in biblical days the meaning was quite different. In the semitic root, the word rod refers to a type of measuring stick. In the same way we use a yardstick today, the rod was used to measure distances to danger or to measure the growth of sheep in the shepherd’s care . The rod was not intended to inflict pain upon people or sheep. The word rod is also used for scepter. Although the verse from Proverbs 13:24   is usually interpreted as a directive to spank children, when we consider how a scepter was used, we understand that it could be used to extend grace and mercy or death by the King. Since the king wouldn’t speak much or at all to his subjects, he would often make his intentions or directives known by his scepter, the recognized symbol of authority. Whether it was the king or an appointed servant using the scepter, it was understood that the instrument held authority. So as we read Proverbs 13:24 we can see that the rod is seen as the idea of authority , not a literal rod. If you also consider that it was Solomon who penned the verse in Proverbs, you must remember that he was a king. His terminology would have been written with the mindset of one who used the scepter for the purposes I just shared. As king, Solomon was an authority figure to many, but remember, he was also a father, or symbol of authority to his children. Using this frame of thinking, we can reason that Solomon wasn’t condoning beating children, but instead encouraged using the rod, which would be showing love or direction. So, when parents extend the rod, we are paying attention  to what our children are doing. We are considering the current situation, as well as looking forward to the future. We are choosing to extend mercy by correcting the behavior, not simply punishing. Checking the Heart Regarding Spanking Dealing with a situation we need to address doesn’t mean to beat or spank. But it doesn’t mean to ignore the actions of our children, either. Just as God extends mercy and forgiveness to us when we are disobedient, He also allows us to suffer consequences. Consequences will differ depending on the act and repercussions, but God doesn’t desire that we beat down children mentally, emotionally, or physically. His discipline is always designed to reach and transform our heart  for Him. Just as we should intentionally strive to do with the children He entrusted to our care. Correcting with our children means instructing and guiding in ways that lead to Christlikeness and connection through heart change . Remember, lack  of discipline can cause destructive or ungodly morals and behavior. So does the wrong   kind  of discipline. Discipline offered in anger can destroy connection and confidence in the parent, then ultimately in Christ. Spanking doesn’t show loving discipline that exhibits clear connection between the action of the child and the consequence. Spanking is often done in anger or bitterness, frustration or embarrassment, or even because of a feeling of disrespect. Spanking often resembles beating and can inflict injury, but doesn’t reach the heart  of the child. Also, parents often spank in the heat of the moment and can accidentally abuse their child. Since spanking isn’t tied to natural consequences of the behavior, it has often been shown to increase aggressiveness in children. Instead of resorting to spanking quickly, pay attention to the times your child is misbehaving. Could it be when you’re very distracted or busy and your child is trying to get your attention? Is your child misbehaving because he is tired or hungry? Look for the root cause and discipline to bring about godly discipleship. Remember, discipline  should be loving guidance  and correction that disciples the heart , not a form of punishment. Discipline comes in many forms. Children are unique. There is no “one size meets all requirements” approach. But I do believe every parent should see the word discipline as discipleship to keep them accountable to building relationship and connection between their child and God. All godly correction should allow children to grow up with closer connection to Christ and family, and a joy-filled life with respect for their Heavenly Father and society. Discipline should be a step that builds transformation of the heart of your child. Checking God's Will Regarding Spanking If a parent still intends to spank, I don't recommend it as a first form of correction. Just as I said earlier, children are unique on purpose. Just as God reaches each of us in different ways over time, parents must find what form of discipline works for each child. Be careful not to use a strong-willed child as an excuse to spank. Find ways to craft that strong will into a strong heart for godliness and with connection for Christ . Your child’s will must be guided, not squashed into rebellion. Alternate means of correction might be: loss of privileges, time out, time in, stern looks, hand signals, a hushed voice, work, or redirection of behavior. Use your situation to find natural consequences for teaching your children, but always remain mindful of the objective of stepping them closer to God and changing their heart for Him through the form of correction you choose. When a child misbehaves or disobeys, it’s important to locate the root cause  in order to reach their heart for change. Remember, discipline should be correction and training toward discipleship, not punishment. Discipline should be designed as an instrument that assists in correcting behavior and facilitating heart change . Spanking doesn’t get to the core of what needs correcting. Correcting behavior (which stems from the heart of your child) allows you to draw your child’s heart nearer to Christ. Addressing heart issues moves the child closer to transformation, both in the heart and in the behavior that stems from it. Spanking punishes, but doesn’t change the heart, except perhaps planting bitterness that can place a wedge between parent and child, or more importantly, between Christ and child. Proverbs 9:10  which says, “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding .” Apart from the Lord we don’t have wisdom or understanding. Both are needed as you prayerfully determine whether God calls you to spank His children. Remember, that in order to change behavior, children should also see that their parents acknowledge their own personal sins. They need to understand that Mom and Dad repent to God. Then they understand that correction is a lifelong process for both children and adults. They begin to understand that we all need behavior that is fitting to the Lord. Everyone needs to honor God and submit to Him so we develop obedience and closer relationship with Him. Consider this thought - spanking doesn’t teach children to obey the parent or obey God out of love, trust, or obedience. We know that God’s grace and mercy should be the motivator used to discipline children. Discipline should be intended to draw the heart and mind of children nearer to the heart and mind of God. Using discipleship as discipline is the way to reach the heart. God’s Word teaches, corrects, trains, equips, and forgives. Your method of correcting should do the same, while building a foundation for your children to desire God’s Word and ways. Make sure you and your spouse are prayerfully  aligned, so you’ll follow how God instructs you  to discipline to disciple His children. Together, under God's direction, you will discern whether spanking is biblical.

One busy afternoon my youngest child came to me as I worked in the office, her smile so trusting and bright as she met my eyes with her gaze. After pushing her palm toward me, she pulled her fingers back, revealing a tiny cherry tomato grown in her garden. As I reached for her gift, thoughts swarmed my mind. The first were, "I'm not hungry." "I already had several tomatoes today and too many cause stomach problems." "I hope she washed it." As fast as those intruders pressed at me, God covered them with His truth. "How loving of her to think of me." I returned her delight with a smile of my own and reached for her offering. After popping it in my mouth to taste the sweet juice, I had one reply. "You grow the best cherry tomatoes." How often life presents gifts such as this! Moments that seems like an interruption become a divine meeting between opportunity and a decision to love. After my daughter and I shared a hug, I thanked her, and we chatted a bit before she left my side with lightness in her step and joy on her face. Our connection made her feel like the best gardener in the world. A giving daughter. Seen. Appreciated. Loved. Treasured. Lord, please help me hear You whisper when opportunities are presented that might be interpreted as distractions. Help me recognize Your hand in events. Even those I see as problems or pressures. Each day You offer moments I can choose to grasp or let flutter to the ground unseen or unused. May my heart be more in alignment with yours each day. Let it shine You. May it bring my family closer to me, each other, and You . May You shine from me so brightly that my children can’t stay away from the flame of Your great love. Help me live with the delight of a child offering gifts from my heart because mine is deeply entwined with Yours. What a blessing to be aware and ready to grasp God's gifts! Precious Father keep my mind and heart alert to possibilities that You present each day. My daughter and the fruits of her labor highlight the fruits of Your labor in our lives. May the work of our hands always highlight the work of Yours. May my reactions always honor You and bring my child straight to Your arms.