Prayers can make a huge difference.

I have to admit, I am not always the best about remembering to pray in both the good times and the bad. I am sad to say that I often forget to lift my children and my husband up in prayer when things are going seemingly well. When life as a whole is going well for me (as well as when it is not), I must remember as a mom and wife, and a child of God, to continue to return to God on a regular basis to thank Him and give Him the honor and Glory he deserves.
I have to say that overall I have been overly blessed and my life is a joyous gift. However, I do have daily struggles like everyone else and I often forget to turn to God in these small trying/difficult moments. When I do remember to call out to God in my daily trials and difficulties as well as the joys I see throughout the day, I believe it pulls me closer to Him and allows me to see more clearly His view of my life and faith in Him is broadened.

I have 3 children, two girls age 5 and 3, and a son who is 2. My son has been in a "difficult stage" for a few months now and gets upset very easily and will hit, throw things, yell and be very disrespectful to others. In moments of trial, when it seems as though I have tried everything, and my patience has run out, I turn to God and take my son in my arms, hold his little hands, and pray out loud. I pray for God to calm us both, and to give me patience, kindness and love for this little man. I also pray for wisdom for dealing with his behavior. I have found that God has blessed us through this simple act of bringing these trials before Him. He calms us and He gives me the patience I need to finish teaching my Son how to act appropriately, and he helps us put an end to the current trial.

No, I cannot say that God has "cured" my son of his naughty behavior, nor can I say, he has given me all the right answers for how to deal with this when it comes up again. I can say though that God is continually teaching me that it is good for me to come to Him in EVERY TRIAL. It is also good for my children to hear me reach out to God in moments of trial and to encourage them to do the same. I believe that if I am faithful in my prayers for myself and my family, it will make a huge difference in the spiritual health and the focus of my family.

                                                Luckily, he is a super cute stinker :-)