No Ma'am

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening- it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

-Hebrews 12:11

 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."

-Proverbs22:6

 "For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life."

-Proverbs 6:23

Today was a DAY! Some days are easy, some are difficult, and some are just DAYS that no words can describe! Carlie is teething and Addie is not napping- the combo can be quite a challenge at times. Without that extra hour or two of sleep, Addie can have some true "2 year old moments"! The bible is crystal clear on discipline. I've posted about this topic before but felt the need to revisit it. It is our "duty" to discipline our children. The bible says to "...not withhold discipline from a child" (Proverbs 23:13). I find this task to be one of the most difficult challenges in parenting. I seek ways to discipline that pleases the Lord and yet in the midst of what feels like 110 "no ma'am" moments, it can quickly make me feel terrible. Brad shares these feelings- what is fun about saying no? NOTHING!  I'm so thankful for God's Word about this issue. Everyone is willing to give their opinions, advice, book references, and thoughts about how to discipline two year olds. At the end of the day, I choose to go back to the bible and recognize there is no need to feel guilty. It pleases the Lord when we give healthy instruction with loving hearts. It is right to offer clear direction to our children, even through stomping feet and temper tantrums. He smiles when we teach, preach, and direct our babies in ways that set them up for success. It's not always easy or pretty. In public, it can frankly be embarrassing! But, the fruit of our labor one day will be so sweet!