Definitely from the heart.

I've been going through something heart wrenching lately. It's kind of personal, and I really would rather not discuss it on an online blog. However, I can say that the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words will never hurt me" is a total farce. Of course words hurt. Especially when they are completely false or greatly exaggerated. We are only human, and verbal communication is away for our species to relay how we feel and it's a prominent way of our communication and interactions with each other. Any kind of communication...be it verbal or physical hurts when it is being abused. The wound cuts much more deeper when the person who is hurting you is a close family member or friend. I do not claim to be perfect in any way, shape or form but what I am going through I can honestly say that absolutely NO decent mother should have to go through. In fact, you don't even have to BE a "good" mother for this to be completely ridiculous. Just don't abuse, neglect or harm your children and you will be okay in my book. Everyone has different parenting styles. Just because you don't agree with someones parenting style doesn't always equal out to them being a harmful parent. For example, I know many parents who let their children stay up late, even on weekdays. To me, a child under the age of 12 has no reason to be up past 10:00 pm, period. Well, if the child is sick that is definitely another story, but I am talking about regular bedtimes. But, their children are not my children and my children are not theirs. Parents who find that acceptable might find the fact I put my two and four year in bed by 8:00 pm to be way too strict. I lost my train of thought, but I hope you understand where I am coming from. I'm thinking of my children more than ever. I have been doing some fun, creative stuff lately to keep my mind and heart focused on other places than the deep root of pain that I have in my heart. I am currently working on making a cute little scrapbook for my daughter, and I'm in the mist of making something cute for one of my good friends son. Although, I sincerely have absolutely no idea where I am going with that project, I can be certain it's definitely from the heart. My MIL has seriously a room that is full of craft supplies. That's all it is...is a craft room. A million scissors, racks of different paper from store bought; construction, card stock, homemade to literally thousands of embellishments and great coloring tools like a huge rack of coloring pencils, markers, and chalk. It's fabulous. It's like Disneyland for adults who craft. I'm grateful for her and her generosity, that she let's me have free reign in that room and let my imagination go wild. My MIL is a sweet, gentle woman and my heart sings joys for her. She is an amazing, loving woman. Dare I say this?... I have never met anyone who is a mother figure who treats me with respect like she does. Heavenly Father has given me amazing children, amazing friends, and an amazing family. I will try and get some pictures of my craftiness later on. Until then, many blessings to you.