teens

Having a teenager takes an entire different set of skills.   Just like when I took my first baby in my 

arms, it feels like parenting is starting all over again when it comes to my teenagers.  It's humbles me

I have learned a lot, but I still have a ways to go. 

My thoughts lately run like "I think my daughter's shorts are too short.  She also wears dresses to 
church that don't cover her knees the way I would like them to. 

   I am not fond of the fashions right now.  Her jeans are covered in holes.  Why would you 

pay $50 for a pair of jeans full of holes? (Haven’t all mothers said this?  I know my mom did!) 

We also deal with friend drama and how picky she can be on just about everything.   Sometimes

we argue about it or downright battle about it.

It is hard.  I wish she would listen to me and take my advice, and do what I tell her to do, because

I'm sure it would make her life easier.   We could go shopping and like the same outfit.  She would

like the really cute shoes I picked out.  She would even hold my hand as we walked into the store!

In middle school we now had to clash about when she could have a cell phone.  When she could 
wear make up.  She pushed and I pulled.  We didn't see eye-to-eye.   She had developed her 
own opinion.  I could no longer keep her in my world completely.     If only she would
stay my little girl.

I've realized that I cannot control her.   Also that we do not think the same way.   She will
learn as she makes her own decisions.  It's tempting to use control, but that is not the
way of our Heavenly Father's plan.   I must trust that he has a plan for each of my children.
He will keep his eye over them throughout their growing years and throughout their lives.
I will do my best, and trust HIM

The Pillar of the Cloud

I had NO Idea  that my favorite hymn was a poem written By John Henry, Cardinal Newman  (1801–1890) The Pillar of the Cloud is the Shekinah The light that guided the Children of Israel in the Wilderness The Glory of God in a brilliance of Light remember the poem I wrote here?

The Pillar of the Cloud aka Lead Kindly Light my favorite Hymn Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom; lead thou me on!  The night is dark and I am far from home; lead thou me on!  Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene - one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou shouldst lead me on.  I loved to choose and see my path; but now, lead thou me on!  I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, pride ruled my will.  Remember not past years. So long thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on over moor and fen, over crag and torrent, till the night is gone.  And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I have loved long since, and lost awhile! Tyler mentioned he had struggled a day or two in the MTC this past week. So I knew today needed to be cookie day!