My Spiritual Hopes

I think every mom has high hopes for their children. How could you NOT want a better life for your child? Most of my hopes are rooted in a deep faith - a faith that actually didn't start in my life until I was in my 30's. Oh, we went to church when I was growing up. My mom even taught Sunday School. During the teen years, I strayed away from the church, went back in college and as a grown adult I thought I knew best. Thought I didn't need help with my life - thought I had everything under control.

Well, as they say, the way to make God laugh is to tell him YOUR plans! It wasn't until I had numerous failed relationships under my belt that I knew I had to try something different. I had to turn to someone ELSE to fulfill me. That person was God.

So now when I look at my hopes and dreams for my girls, they tend to be a little different than the materialistic thoughts I might have had when I was younger.

As growing pre-schoolers, I want my girls to be kind. I want them to share, to care and to be good friends.

As school-age children, I want my girls to have self confidence. I want them to be independent, caring girls who make close friends.

As teenagers, I want my girls to have Christ in their heart. I want them to hold fast to their beliefs and to not fall prey to peer pressure. As girls, I want them to have a healthy body image and to have high dreams!!

As young adults, I want them to seek positive relationships in men. I want them to know without doubt that they deserve the very best - that God is the only one who can fulfill them. I want them to make good choices and to never stray from their faith.

As moms, I want them to enjoy their children. I want them to raise their children in Christian homes, led by a strong yet caring man. I want them to shine God's light on their children, teaching them right from wrong.

As women, I want them to reach out to other women to encourage them, to motivate them and to care for them. I want them to have REAL relationships with other women. I want them to serve others as Jesus served those in need.

Hannah and Emma, I adore you - I wish you the very best in life - a road filled with peace, happiness and most of all, the love of God.