Oh i just love that! It makes total sense because as a parent i love my children so so much even when they are throwing tantrums(like right now....lizzy is screaming because i took the pen away that she was using to draw on our desk...but wow i love her even in her tantrums).

"When you empower yourself by doing the Thing You Want To Do Least first, you’ve just cleared the rest of your day (or week) from a significant source of stress." -Steffan Wissenbach

Several years ago my sister gave me this advice.  I never remembered the specific wording so i just looked it up,  but the idea of doing first thing what i least want to do has stuck with me.  It really works!  

"The first duty of love is to listen."

-Paul Tillich

I've been serving in the cub scouts for the past two years, but i remember when i was first called and was at a training, one of the leaders shared this quote. She said these young boys are eager to talk and to share and what a privilege it is as leaders to listen to them. I've always remembered this counsel and hope i can put it into practice with those around me. 

"Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle.

I have learned that growth cannot come by taking the easy way. 

 We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help will help us

stretch and grow and help us come to know our potential, and our divine nature.

Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits,

 because we have access to help from the Lord.We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us and willcontinue to strengthen us when, and especially when, times are hard.

I have felt this, I know this and utilize this knowledge everyday.

I hope when life is hard for you, or when you question the very beliefs thathave supported you all your life, or when someone you know (or don't know)offends you and those precious beliefs, you remember to hold on towhat you know to be true and stand firm." -stephanie nielson(author of nieniedialogues.blogspot.com)

The Nielson Family

i read this on stephanie's blog the other day. It gave me the boost to be a better mother, more patient with our toddler who has been sick and up in the night a lot. She's been sleeping through the night so well until this past week, it's hard to go back to sleepless nights.  When i read stephanie's words i realized hard is good and last night when i was woken from sleep every time i dozed off i reminded myself that hard is good and it will make me a better mother.