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Song: Faithful Father

January 2018 issue

Written and produced by Amy Smith

 
 
Sharing some good reminders + encouragement in this week's email in regard to: - the comparison game - God using us when we don't feel "ready" - picky eaters . Get it delivered to your inbox -- use the link in profile or visit www.strengthandsong.com (scroll down). Happy Monday, mamas! ❤️
|| Friday Magnify || “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3 . This little guy has hit the challenge-everything, say-no-to-everything phase. Oh, my goodness. The last couple weeks have been so incredibly challenging. (I'm sure some of you know exactly what I'm talking about...) . Both boys were up early from nap on Wednesday and I quite frankly didn't want to deal with the attitudes in the house. It was raining, but I grabbed a change of clothes and a towel and headed for the beach. Wasn't quite sure what I was doing but there's something about a drive with the kids buckled and contained. ;) . I brought both of them down to play on the beach -- which we had to ourselves! They LOVED it. It was so much fun! . Of course, the attitude resumed when we got home; but there was still a highlight of the day to change the subject and bring back some smiles. . My thanksgiving for this week? The Lord gives strength for each day. He gives creativity when we need it, He gives patience when we need it, and He gives deep breaths and bedtimes. His provision looks different for each of us, but it's true -- He always provides! . -Amy
Question for YOU! Now that we're into summer and getting some heat, which do you prefer: sun or snow? Are you a year-round-summer kind of girl or would you rather be able to add layers to stay warm? . Have to say, I (Amy) prefer the sun. I do love the snow, but I'd certainly trade it to live in a warmer place. Maine gets pretty chilly! 😎 . How about you? . . **We plan to feature your response in the next issue of the Strength & Song magazine! By answering, you agree that we may use your words and your first name. If you'd like to respond but not be published, add a * to your answer. 🙂
"'Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.'" Proverbs 17:1 . "When we think of our homes being peaceful, we often think of quiet. Inside voices, everything put away in specific places, each room nicely decorated and cleaned, kids who behave and are settled most of the time... these kinds of things, right? . Those may be fruit from a peaceful home, and they certainly can contribute; but there's more to a peaceful atmosphere than these physical things." . Get the rest of these thoughts & more encouragement right in your inbox this week. You can do so on the left-hand side of this page or by visiting www.strengthandsong.com. Have a great Monday! ❤️
Things I'm thankful for today: hot sun, dirty feet, morning coffee and a growing garden. . What about you? Hope you have a wonderful Saturday. ☀️ . --Amy
|| Friday Magnify || . “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3 . That verse should be read as a joyful exclamation, urging all who hear to join in and collectively praise our God! I have many things to praise Him for, but one stands out far above the rest. . This week for the first time EVER my firstborn son, Moses (20 months old), said "I love you." . !!!!!! . Hearing him say those words was such a special blessing from the Lord, one that I will treasure forever, and definitely the highlight of my week. . Why should you praise Him, friend? Share with us in the comments, or write it down on a sticky note and keep it in sight as you go about your day. ~ Natalya
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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 . Have you ever wondered how you can gain wisdom? The Bible talks about being wise and gaining wisdom; Proverbs specifically points out that wisdom is worth more than gold. But wisdom isn't tangible; you can't just reach out, grab it and stick it in your head. (If only!) So how do you get it? . The fear of the Lord is where we start. It's a deep respect; reverence for, awe of Him. And yes, some actual fear as well. He is holy and all-powerful, more than we can comprehend. We keep ourselves humble before Him; we recognize our lowly position and His highest position. And as the second part of the verse says, we seek to know Him more. We learn about Him, and gain knowledge of the Holy One. . Remember this; write it down, even. Wisdom isn't some lofty, theoretical thing. It's something the Lord wants to give His children, so we can walk in Godliness and live lives pleasing to Him. How much better our lives will be as we practice humility and gain His wisdom!
Well hey, it's Monday again. Need some encouragement this week? There's a whole lot of it in the email that went out this morning. Choosing church, being pliable for God's use, creating an atmosphere of peace in your home... and a great inspiration to choose JOY, written by the mama of this beautiful little girl. . Sign up at the link in profile: www.strengthandsong.com. ❤️
Ahh, Saturday. Hopefully you've been having a relaxing day so far -- and if not, maybe you at least have a change in pace mentally? . If you're new to Strength & Song, welcome! I'm thrilled you're here, and pray you are encouraged. Strength & Song is a ministry aimed at encouraging moms of little ones and pointing each of us back to Christ. Even though the days can be long and exhausting, God is present and able to give us everything we need -- not just to make it through but to thrive in the process. To know Him better, and be fulfilled by Him. He is a wonderful God. . You can read more about how this ministry came to be, and find the print magazine available at www.strengthandsong.com. We also send out an email every Monday with faith-deepening stories and articles; you can subscribe on the website by scrolling to the bottom. I hope you join us, there are some wise words shared each week! . Have a great weekend! -Amy (pictured here with my oldest...who's not quite that little anymore 😉 )