As we enter a new school year, I thought it might be a good time to encourage moms who want to have better reactions with their kids.
And just in case you aren’t feeling like mother of the year today, let me make you feel better. While I was packing lunches recently my daughter said with great urgency, “Mom, just make sure none of the food you are packing in my lunch is rotten.”
Alrighty then. A statement like that will just build your mom confidence ALL DAY LONG!
Do you ever have these little zingers that fly into your morning and sting your heart? I suspect you do. And it’s these kinds of things that can catch us off guard and start ratcheting up the tension that leads to coming unglued.
We don’t want to be unglued mamas. We don’t want to have mornings filled with unglued moments. So, today let’s think about what we do want our mornings to be filled with … love, peace, joy, sanity, kind words, and interactions with our kids that won’t be retold years later on some therapist’s couch.
Yes, that’s what we want.
But here’s the tricky part: I can’t control the unpredictable attitudes my kids are going to bring into each morning.
I can’t set my hope for a good morning on what my kids might or might not do. I must bring the attitude with which I want the morning to be filled. Just like Colossians 3:2 says, I have to set my mind on things from above … things from God.
A few years ago, my friend Angela Thomas challenged me with this “bring it” idea. We were talking about how sometimes when we show up to speak the audience seems a little lacking in energy. As a speaker, it’s really hard to step in front of an audience with very low energy. So, Angela decides what kind of energy the room needs to be filled with and she brings it as she steps on stage.
She focuses her energy on what she has control over.
She can’t control the mood of an audience any more than we can control the moods of our kids. But we can determine if a good mood is what we want as we pack lunches, sign last minute permission slips, and pile backpacks into the car, then we can make the choice to bring it.
Here are three reminders that will help us bring it:
1. Feelings are indicators not dictators.
I’m not always going to have blissful, happy feelings. I’m just not. But while my feelings may indicate I have some things to address, they don’t have to dictate a bad mood. It’s time for me to be the boss of my feelings and determine to bring the joy I want my home to be filled with today.
2. Bad moments don’t make bad mamas.
Have you ever caught yourself labeling the kind of mother you are in light of a few bad moments with your kids? “I’m not patient.” “I lose it all the time.” “I’m the most disorganized mother on the planet.”
Me too.
But these labels won’t help us bring more joy into our mornings — they’ll just bog us down. Here’s the reality … just because I have an impatient moment doesn’t mean I’m an impatient mother. We need to stop the self-condemning labels by matching each negative moment with a positive reality. Maybe I had an impatient moment when I helped with homework last night but this morning I’m bringing patience in the way I helped my daughter find something to wear.
3. Find the joy treasure.
There will be a treasure hidden in the moments you experience this morning. Look for it.
Look for the way she tucks her curls behind her ears and ties the ribbon in her hair. Look for the way he fiddles with his hat trying to look cool. Take a snapshot this morning of this joy treasure. Don’t miss it. When you find it, tuck it in your heart and let it sink deep. These are the moments that form that wellspring of joy and help us keep bringing it.
Peace, love, joy, patience, kindness—these are the things with which we want to fill our mornings. Despite the circumstances we face and the attitudes of others, it is possible to have this wonderful atmosphere — if we decide to bring it.
If you’re ready to have better reactions for the start of this school year, sign up to have my 5 day Unglued Challenge sent to your email inbox! Click here for more information.
Today, I’m giving away 5 copies of Unglued to help relieve some of those stressful mornings. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below.
Love this!!
I am so ready to set my mind on things above and become more like the mom God desires me to be. May God bless us all as we head into a new school year, to focus on the joy moments and bring more peace to our homes.
Love it!! So true! We can choose to make the best of it despite how we fe.
Love your advise
I need the whole bottle of glue!
So good!
Thanks for this posting today. Starting a new school year with a fresh perspective, and making a choice to applying the fruits of the spirit in the morning will certainly help this household get off to a blessed start in the morning! God is good…….. All the time…..
Thanks for your ministry. It’s very relatable, relevant, and realistic!
I am joining the “unglued club”. Ha ha. (:
Blessings,
LF
Thank you!
I needed to hear this. I think i also need to read unglued. 😉
So needed!!
“1. Feelings are indicators, not dictators.”
LOVE THIS! Our pastor always says: “You do not have to act how you feel.” These two go hand in hand. I would love to win one of the copies of Unglued.
Great advice. Wrote in down on an index card, so that I can re-read it tomorrow morning. 🙂
This is so needed with my kids starting school tomorrow!
I feel like I am unglued 90% of the time. I want to be a loving, caring and patient mom but seems like I am always reacting.
You always hear, “If Mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.” I have found that to be so true. We set the mood in our household and when we are happy and smiling it softens everyone else’s mood.
Wow! Needed to hear that today!
Words I needed to hear today! Thanks!
I really needed this today! Thanks!
I come unglued in the mornings with my son and it makes for a long day beating myself up about it!!! Knowing that I’m not the only one gives me hope!
Being a mother of two teenage kids and two toddlers, I have found myself battling with balance. I become overwhelmed and it shows. I found your post to hit where it hurts. Time to set the mood.
I know what you mean I have a 17,16,13,10,6,5 plus house and Husband i feel the same way. But God has made a way throughout the day so I get some balance back in my life. It hasn’t been easy and I’m not where I want to be but The Lord is working. It was getting so bad that I wouldn’t spend time with him. I pray that you get that balance that is needed
Thank you Lysa for being so real and honest!
I had a great morning at home. I finished all the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, and everything I wanted to accomplish. I was feeling like SUPER MOM today. Even after picking up my kids from school and hitting the grocery store (WITH the kids) I was on a high. We got home and started homework and everything was so peaceful, I remember thinking, “This is the most perfect day!” Then, my younger child starts acting out while I’m trying on finish homework with my older child. Then the older child (8) starts whining about division and from there it just built until I wanted to run and hide. I didn’t. And thankfully, I stayed calm, but. I couldn’t help but slap that “bad momma” label right on. By the time my husband arrived home, I had a headache and was in a foul mood. The kids, of course, were a bundle of energy and excitement, “DADDY’S HOME!!!”
So, I needed to read these words this evening!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Thank you!! I think we all need to be reminded of this, I know I do. Also, to keep in mind there is such a bigger picture than our immediate world!
SO glad that unglued does not have to be a permanent state! Thanks for the blog and the book.
Those “bad mom” moments happen even more often for stepmoms!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I needed those words today!! I walk around feeling like a bad mom….I want to take the advice you have written and run with it!!! I need to read it a billion times in the next few minutes to absorb it. I always have the best intentions but I blow it so much!!
Thank you for reminding me to set my mind on things above! Sometimes I feel as though I am in the ‘fast lane’ of life…and before I know it, my children are no longer little. I love that you have reminded me to let the little things “sink into my heart”. I am looking forward to reading your book “Unglued”!
Thank you for your transparency! Would love to read Unglued!
Thank you, Lysa, for sharing this as we start back to school. Being a working mom with a teen and preteen lends itself to exhausted moments of unglued-ness in our household, especially as we start back to school. I would love to have a copy of this book to read and then share.
I enjoy reading your posts and would love to win a copy of Unglued. Thank you!
I feel like I know what I should be soon but often find myself doing the opposite. I think I will be putting the three headings on my bathroom mirror
Love it! Thanks for sharing. It’s so easy to focus on the times I mess up, but that’s not productive. Thanks for the tips 🙂
“Bring it!” I like that 🙂
Thank You Lysa! This was a perfect reminder that I set the tone and temperature of my interactions with my kids. I will try to “Bring it” not just to my morning routine, but bedtime for the kids as well!
Lysa, I can’t wait to get the Unglued book and Devo. For me & my four kids, I know this is a necessity!!
Bring it! …Unglued, that is. 🙂
Lysa, I can’t wait to get the Unglued book and Devo. For me & my four kids, I know this is a NEED!!
Thank you for this!! I would love to win your Unglued book 🙂 it looks great!
Lysa – I just put my kids to bed and logged onto my inbox. Your post is just what I needed to hear. Praise God for you!!!!
That is such a helpful way of looking at it – Thank you. The many snippets you have posted from ‘Unglued’ have been so helpful…I would love to win the book so I can read the WHOLE book!!! 🙂 May God bless you…as you are a blessing to so many of us.
Thanks so much! I really needed this. God bless you!
I love your blog. It shows me that I am not alone and helps me re-think situations or deal with them differently 🙂
Needed this today…
Thank you for the encouragement. This is just what I needed after last week 🙂
Love al your post! Very inspiring words.
Great post! Just what I needed to start my week!
I just had a unpleasant moment with my adult son and needed encouragement. I happened to check email and there was your post….Just what I needed to hear. PTL!
I thought that my “unglued” Moments would end when my children left home, but suprise-they don’t! My children AND grand-children still give me those moments of stress when I want to tell them how wise I am. But, I have to take a deep breath, pray, and know that I am the one who is here to set a good example and not over-react. You moms keep up the good work! It is never easy but GOD stretches our patience pockets! They do get deeper!
NEEDED this ….I totally need GRACE & lots of it. this blog was a life saver last September but I need it again! I am posting Colossians 3:2 for ALL of us and praying for spiritual duct tape! Thanks
I had a moment this morning. My seven year old asked me to please not step on the toys in her floor. I was like really??? How many times have I asked you pick these toys up??! I wanted to be unglued but found a better solution. I just said ok and walked away. So hard especially on a hectic Monday morning
Thank you, second time this week heard again on the quality fruit for our (my) life that I wish I had a fruit bowl full of. . . love, joy, peace, . . .
I liked the point of “Feelings are indicators, not dictators.”
This has been a focus point for me that I have been trying to improve. This phrase will help me when the feelings are trying to demand my attention.
God bless.
My emotions are R.A.W. right this very moment! I am struggling with giving anxiety to God (because it does not come from Him) and not coming unglued with my kids because of this anxiety-inducing situation (extremely tough spot in my marriage). My sweet twins are 2 1/2, so we are not dealing with before-school mornings, but…MY TWINS ARE 2 1/2. Every moment of every day is a potential unglued mama moment! It’s so hard to repent and then reset when I explode. Yet the Lord is so steadfast and good and gives me patience I never knew I had…but MAN. Being a toddler twin mama is HARD.
This was such an encouragement to me!! In the past I have been the type of person who would let my ” atmosphere control my attitude”. Instead of letting my ” attitude control my atmosphere”. I have learned that our children, friends,families and coworkers will respond to us according to our actions! So that’s why we should let our lives daily consist of the “Fruits of the Spirit”. Then we will begin to see attitudes and atmosphere’s changing.
Thank you so much! I had just had one of “those” moments tonight and then read this when I checked my email! Thank you for being so honest and open with your struggles. God has blesses you with a gift and opportunity to share that with others.
Thank you Lysa. It has been a blessing getting these devotionals from you and the Proverbs 31 I signed up on. I have a 10 yr. old girl, who for the most part is a very beautiful, loving person but sometimes I get all impatient with her when my mornings or homework time comes. This is a great reminder to always have. Love you for being a blessing.
Thanks for your entry today. It was awesome! We all need those reminders for life everyday with everyone. I have not read Unglued, but almost all my friends have. I hope I receive a copy.
Oh would love to win this book!!!! Finding the joy in everyday life is easier when I set my mind to it. I love when I can praise my child for something we have been working on for awhile.
Wow… I soooo needed this TODAY, of ALL days!!! The ones I never want to hurt with my reactions, I often DO, and the challenger of school day mornings make it even easier to become “unglued”… This is SUCH a strugglebfor me. I pray about it daily, often multiple times per day because I end up feeling so awful about how I’ve reacted. I want to be a mother that encouraages and builds UP my children, not tears them down each day.. especially at the beginning of each day. Thanks for your ministry and sharing these hints/tips and the helpful word of encouragement that had moments don’t make bad mamas… that made my day and touched my heart!! 🙂
Sorry for the typos… Guess that’s the result of a long, exhausing weekend that spilled over to today. 😉
Didn’t mean to misquote you… “Bad moments don’t make bad mamas” … LOVE that!!! Thanks!!
This made my cry thank you so much for your words!!!
Good to hear………your encouragement is great!! Would love a copy of Unglued!!
Thank you,
Irene
Our ladies at church will be starting a study from your book, Unglued. Everyone is excited about it. Would love to have the books to just give the ladies. Always enjoy your stories, comments and thoughts. If we live our lives with the mind set of its ALWAYS about HIM and not about us..it really helps with everything else that crosses our path.
Thank you. I am certainly struggling with some pretty difficult parenting moments right now. I am grateful for the idea if bringing it!
I love this. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you for this. With my youngest starting Kindergarten this year, my daughter growing up way too fast in 4th grade and me facing going back to work after being a sahm for 8 years, I feel often as if I will come Unglued.
I don’t just have unglued mornings; I have unglued dinners, homework time, rush to practice time, and bed time. Sometimes I just feel as if I’m so hurried I’m missing the tuck behind the ear moments. Sometimes I feel as if work gets the best of me and my family, especially my kids get what’s left, if any. I heard you speak, and I started to follow your blog. It is helping. I’m working on it. Thank you.
Oh how I would love a copy of Unglued! I really need to read it myself but I have a friend who is a non believer and who has mentioned an interest in it as well. Things are really tight for me right now but I would love to have a copy to give her…being stressed and overwhelmed may just be the ticket to actually opening the book and a seed being planted …. 🙂
I have always been a huge supporter of “you determine your mood” and have preached it to my kids. But lately I’ve had a really hard time in practicing what I preach! Thank you for reminding me that a mothers mood can set the stage for a bad morning, and potentially a bad day!
I would love a copy of your book. I feel pretty unglued some days!
Thank you so much for this email landing in my inbox! I will say that today we did things differently in my house. We talked about God a lot. We talked a lot. Instead of giving in to the tired feelings myself and coming home and sitting, I took my sons to dinner and we talked about our days. We came home and talked some more. The tv did not go on for 1.5 hours after we arrived home. We talked and looked up scriptures (my 14 asked me for help finding some). I feel so well connected with my sons. It may not last long, especially with the teen, but I’m so happy that I made these conscious decisions today to spend the first day of school with my kids. Sometimes it is all about choices and too often I give in to that tired feeling.
This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you.
Thank you for those much needed words. Blessings
Just what I needed today!!
So needed these words. Both of my kids are now in school and we have another on the way…i feel like i’m failing them a lot with being so drained. I need to think on the good things and stop tearing myself down. 🙂 Thank you for the uplifting words of advice!
Thanks needed to read this!
I’m feeling such a lift in my heart after reading today’s blog entry ! It has filled me with hope for smoother mornings and mama moments. I will tuck these words into my heart and use them as encouragment and wisdom.
Also just finished your 5 day unglued challenge & it was amazing. So full of wonderful tips and things to ponder and scripture power. Ill be prayering that ill be able to purchase the book soon. I just know it’ll b a fabulous life changing read.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful writers talent with us !
This is a crazy season at work (in church ministry) and I am navigating my husband being gone. It’s not easy with a 2 year old and an almost 6 month. This was a great reminder as I didn’t do so well with my emotions tonight.
Thank you, Lysa! Was so blessed to hear you speak and meet you in Peoria at WoF and am so loving reading (my signed copy 🙂 ) of Unglued – would love to win a copy to pass it along to a friend! You are so refreshing – thank you for blessing us with your writing! God’s blessings to you!
Love the statement…bad moments don’t make bad mamas…..so nice to be reminded of that!
Thank you! Would really, really love to receive a free copy of Unglued.
It’s a blessing this was posted today! There are so many days I feel this way especially being a mother of two young children. My days will only become more challenging. My daughter has her first day of school tomorrow. Here comes a whole new chapter in our lives.
Would so love a copy of your book, I have several of your other books, but haven’t added this one to my library. Thanks for your humor, we all need it!
Yup.
Totally needed to read this today. Thanks.
Thank you for such a beautiful article. I am going to be a first time mom in January and I just kinda took that and put it in my back pocket. Can you please repost in 3-5 years? Anyway, thank you for your honesty. As always, I can relate and I always need a reminder to keep in kind “who’s” I am.
I would love this book! Your posts are always such a blessing and God leads me to them right when I need to read them.
Please oh please oh please can I win a copy of “Unglued”?! 😉 I have read the 1st chapter of the book and LOVED it, but had to give it back to the library and haven’t grabbed my own copy since, much to my chagrin. This post is exactly what I needed today as my Kindergartener went into school with splotchy cheeks and a bad attitude after our rough morning. Urgh. Anyway, thanks for all you say and do. I’d love to have coffee with you some day!
I love #1….have to remember that! Getting a copy of your book would be such a gift.
Thanks for speaking truth through real life. Looking forward to devouring your book in a small group study this fall!
Thank you for your transparency!! Helping raise a second generation in our home…school mornings are hectic again!!!
Wow Lysa, just as always, these words are sent out just when I need them! Feeling like a not so great mom, too much conflict with attitudes. Thank you so much. Looking forward to reading your book, Unglued. What a blessing your ministry is to so many!! God bless you and your family!!
Thank you for making me realize that I’m not the only mama that makes mistakes…imperfect progress. I’m learning to take in those priceless moments that will soon be gone. Letting the good sink in. Unglued Mama mornings are fewer&fewer! Thank you so much.
Enjoyed reading this post so much!
Do you know how many mornings I have thought to myself “my children will need to talk about this in therapy one day” ? Really needed to read this tonight. Thank you..
Thank you so needed that after homework this evening. I came unglued with my 6 year old that has the I can’t adatuded about learning . I know he is a bright little boy I need to figure out how to deal with him to get him to know he can!!
I loved this post!!! It’s totally meeting me where I’m at tonight. I’ve been beating myself up a bit about motherhood lately, and my kids start school again tomorrow. I’m ready for this challenge!
Lysa, your speaking to a place in my heart that’s hurting. My 16-year-old daughter told me this morning, as I ranted about her not eating OR taking her vitamin before rushing out, that she feels like she’s never going to be able to please me.
The quiet sincerity of her tone gave me great pause. So today I spent time examining my expectations. My very high expectations. Found I have much to surrender. And an apology to deliver. Thank you for keeping our focus on examining our motives and “heart conditions” as we approach our families. I studied notes I took on your teaching on ONE WISE WOMAN at She Speaks 2013 helped me WISELY approach mornings this year. And of course, my Unglued Devotional. THANK YOU!!!!
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” – Proverbs 14:1-3
I meant “you’re,” not “your.” So embarassed! LOL.And I meant “. . . 2013. Your teaching helped me . . . ” not “. . . 2013 helped me. . . “
I need these reminders often. Would love to win the book.
Wow did I need to hear that today! So many “unglued” moments 🙁 I love reading your blog!!
Have more unglued mommy moments than I care to admit :0 Thanks for the encouragement
Funny, I was just thinking about this today as I had some not so good mommy moments! 🙂
Thanks Lysa!! What GREAT advice. I can’t wait to read your book!! You are such an inspiration!
Your timing is perfect. You are spot on – bad moments don’t make bad mamas. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!
As I was trying to read this, I was also trying not to become unglued with my 4-year old who decided she did not want even a bite of her dinner. I had just read the part about joy treasure when she came out of her room with her toy grocery cart and asked what she could buy me from the “store”. I quickly snapped a picture for the joy treasure! Thank you for reminding me that it’s not always about the struggle, but so important to document those sweet simple moments.
Thank you for this, I needed it today. This afternoon I was telling my 5 year old daughter she couldn’t run around daddy while he was mowing the lawn and she burst into tears. When I asked her why she was crying so easily lately she said it’s because I’m hard on her. Now, I recognize that not letting her run around a mower is definitely a reasonable rule, but it still hurt that she said I was hard on her. The fact that she was even able to put that sentence together at 5 yrs old made me sad. I don’t think I’m too hard on her but obviously she does 🙁 Perhaps I need this book more than I thought I did!
So needed to hear this today! My young ones are grown but now I take my 5 yr old grandson to Kindergarten (and pick him up) each day! Love the phrase “feelings are indicators – not dictators” …. This “nana” needed this inspiration. Definitely will cherish those joy treasures too! Thank you for sharing & being so open with us!
You spell it out for me–thanks for being real,
Love your posts and Unglued Devotion
I am a grandmother who starts her day and ends her day with a 3 year old and a 7 year old. I too need help in becoming Unglued. Thank you for your ministry.
So timely since I have been beating myself up for coming unglued today. I need to set – and voice – appropriate expectations for my kids so it never gets to the unglued point. I have a hard time with all of it.
Thank you Lisa… What an encouragement… I really needed it today…
Thank you Lysa. This was so needed today. I am “unglued” in almost every aspect of my life and I’m hanging on to Jesus’ hand right now. I know his grace is sufficient.
I am going to share this with my Bible study friends. I’ve heard many times the past couple weeks “I can’t wait for school to start!”. I hope this will encourage them as much as it has encouraged me! Thanks Lysa!
Thank you Lysa for allowing God to work through you. As a teacher and a mom, I really needed these words of wisdom today.
My children were fine today. It was the tag office that almost killed me. However, I must have read a ton of your emails – because I kept asking God what he wanted me to learn from all the chaos. I even prayed for the ladies who work there…I have to go back tomorrow.
Thank you for the reminder that we are not what we are just in our weakest moments. We are so much more than that
I needed this encouragement this evening. My daughter and I had a moment this evening and it was quite frustrating. I had never felt quite this way. Things are good between us but this reminded me that we will have moments where we both come unglued and that God can help us work through it.
I really appreciated this post tonight. It is actually the first one I’ve read, and it happened to be on the first day of school for my 13 year old daughter. Now I am eager to take up the challenge to “bring it” tomorrow and not just let it be another ho-hum morning, but a positive start to both our days. Thank you!
I read unglued once,I borrow it from the library and would love my own copy! So I can highlight the things I want to,it was a great book that I learn alot from! Julie
“Bad moments don’t make bad mamas.” This statement really hit a cord with me and reminded me that I need to forgive myself for the mistakes I have made and move forward. Thank you for offering this insight.
I really enjoyed this! I’m going to do my best to “bring it!”
I love your emails and your words are so inspiring and emcouraging. Thank you so much. I would love to read this book 🙂
Thank you so much for your encouragement about having less Unglued moments. I find myself getting Unglued about such small things sometimes. I think one problem is that I have such fairy tale expectations of how things should go. And when things don’t go as expected, it is hard to not let that determine my reaction and mood. I am learning that I am responsible for how my life goes, regardless of what circumstances come my way. No matter what may come, I can control how I react and live thereafter. I have been struggling the last several months to keep a good perspective, to keep my eyes fixed on the hope, peace and joy I have in Jesus. I realize now that I have been letting the many trials I have gone through in the last several years to start piling up and affect how I am living the life God gave me. It has helped to focus on the Promises God DID make because I think I was clinging to things God never did promise. There is always joy in Jesus 🙂
Once again you have written words of encouragement. Bless you for always reaching down into the depths of your own heart and life to share with those that need to hear it.
So true. So what I needed to hear!!!
Thanks for the great advice! I would love to win a copy of your book…sounds wonderful!!!
Have heard a lot about the book and would love to read it
Wow! I just went by the bookstore and sat and read a chapter of this book, but left it there because we are in a tight spot financially. I was waiting for it to go on mega-sale this weekend, and maybe could find the money to get it. Winning it would be great! I have been so vulnerable to my emotions and feelings for a very long time. As a homeschooling mother to 3 young boys, I live with lots of emotion ready to express itself all the time. I find myself reacting instead of responding. I think this book could stay on my shelf for a long time as a reference for all the situations life throws at you. Thank you for writing it with such honesty and transparency.
We’re potty training right now. Suffice it to say I’ve felt a little unglued lately. Thanks for the give away!
Your post touched on an area God has been working on. I have had to work really hard to get past the bad moments don’t make bad mama’s idea. My husband would consistently remind me that the “day” was not ruined just because we had a few yucky minutes.
Well, I homeschool my son, but these steps can be applied to that too!! Thanks for sharing, reminding and bringing perspective to this important season of mothering!
” We need to stop the self-condemning labels by matching each negative moment with a positive reality”…This is perfect. How many of us mothers know the impact of positive reinforcement on our kids but neglect to use it for ourselves. Thanks Lysa!
Thanks for this encouragement. I have a tendency to label myself this or that rather than acknowledge that I have “moments”, and my moments do not define who I am as a person, or a mother.
Whew! Not only am I a crazy mama, I am a single, crazy mama with a 13 year old girl who never can seem to look exactly the way she wants to before 8 AM and a 9 year old son who loves to taunt his 13 year old sister. This makes for some seriously UNGLUED mornings!! I am a school administrator and don’t really have a choice to be perky and present first thing. I needed to read this tonight and really listen. Thank you for the challenge to listen and take back control of my emotions in the morning not only with my children, but my work and then at the end of a long day that dadgum homework! Thank you Lisa…I’m taking a deep breath and taking back my sanity!! Goo bless!
Thank you. This is great advice. I needed this today. My son is a great kid, with a great heart. Just his age and his attitude are certainly challenging some days. Thank you, again.
I’d love too win and share a copy of you book with a friend! Honestly the best book I think I’ve ever read.
Feelings are indicators not dictators really helped me to put some things in perspective. Thank you!
I’m anticipating the potential for a rough 4 months ahead… my husband began his last semester of school today and because the location of the school is quite a distance from our home he is spending many weeknights with his sister who lives closer to the school. We have 3 kids (14,11 and 7) and I’m nervous about basically being the sole parent for the next few months… I’m mostly nervous because I don’t have a stellar history of responding well to life’s bumps and now that I’m going it alone for the most part, I want to maintain sanity and not become unglued!
Love your openness and complete honesty! I often become unglued and carry such guilt. My girls from our small group at church are starting your book unglued this wk. Would love a copy! Thank you for speaking God’s Truth in our lives!
Great article! Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement. Indeed–I don’t want to become unglued about back to school! 🙂
Thanks for the great reminder! Someone once said to me that it is important to think about how we handle things. Do you react or respond? Responding always has a better outcome than any reaction. God’s grace is an awesome gift for mothers!
I would love to win this, love your books! Thanks for the encouragement Lysa :0)
Thank you, Lysa, for your insights and encouragement. I struggle to keep calm during school mornings. Someone is always crying/whining/fighting/running late. I love the idea of controlling myself and the emotions I bring to the situation — instead of trying to control my children’s. I need to realize that their cries and frustrations aren’t immediate indictments of me as a mother, and that I should realize life is messy and the expectation of a Pollyanna morning will just rarely be fulfilled in our household, in this season. And, that that’s ok!
Thank you for such insightful encouragement!
I love reading your devotionals Lysa. I can “so identify” with your comments. Thank you for all you do and say and write!
Lysa, just read this post and laughed out loud! I woke up this a.m. crying, feeling a little anxious about the new school year. Lots of changes in my classroom (for Medically Fragile students) in which my grandson is one of my students. He has spent the past two years with me included in a preschool program. This Wednesday he will enter Kindergarten! I am less than thrilled with his K placement…but after much thought and prayer, I headed off to school to work on my classroom knowing that only I can control my attitude and I was feeling quite joyful and thankful, praising God! Guess I was “bringing it”! But as the day wore on I wore out and I had some definite changes in my attitude…your post tonight reminded me that I will not give up and I will “bring it” again tomorrow! Thanks! Have your book Unglued all ready for the next Bible study! I will be looking forward to it! But for now I am feeling great blessings in my life and a beautiful intimacy with my Lord as I am loving and learning through the Yes to God OBS! Just read Hebrews 11 today and sang the hymn We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight all the way to school! 🙂
Think this book is just what this mamma to 9 is needing! Would live to live a life walking in the fruit of the spirit with my Lord!
Perfect timing. There are so many responsibilities, schedules, and other people to care for in a short span of time that getting snippy and impatient is the first reaction. I see it and hear it when it happens and I want it to stop. I hope to stop, breathe, and think on these three thoughts in the moment. I need a new instinctive response!
AMEN to this Lysa!! I just wrote a post about how I pray with my kids on the way to school every stinkin’ day…
It always sets the pace and the peace for the rest of the day, now matter how bad/ugly/disorganized/scattered/chaotic our morning goes beforehand!! Oh, how I treasure those car rides to school!
Definitely loved the devotional for today! “Bringing the attitude” this week is going to help me in certain situations I am facing this week. Finding the joy despite difficult circumstances. I needed to see this today!
I am facilitating a ladies’ Bible on UNGLUED beginning in September. Fourteen ladies have signed up already.
I agree that as moms we need to look at the full picture rather than labeling ourselves as impatient or a terrible mom based on an isolated instance. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Thank you! A good practice in all aspects of our lives
Like that ” feelings are not dictators” Think this book would be great to do a study with some gals.
I am not a mom, but I can see myself using these tips at work quite often! Thank you for your wise words!
This post had me laughing as I recognized myself and my 14 year old daughter… and it echoed something I thought of just yesterday when I found myself in a stressful situation: I choose what I want to be; I can’t let my circumstances define my mood. Thanks for the chance to win the book!
Thank u so much for these tips.l confess that l loose it every single day.l lost yesterday and while l was at wk (b4 l read this) the Holy Spirit convicted me and l prayed for forgiveness and made sure l apologized to my daughter for the first time.l am glad that u wrote abt it cz that confirms that indeed God wants me to change and realise that l can be full of love,peace and not easily offended…amen
My unglued moments are too often and too many to count but in this moment I’m jut thanking God that He is grace and mercy giving and accepting that I am a work in progress…and grateful that when I might want to give up, He doesn’t…
I’m going to bring it!!!
I just had a phone conversation with my 31 yr old daughter who lost her job, is pregnant, and moving home. With our 10 yr old grandson. Almost came unglued while wanting to be encouraging and patient and gentle and kind and she pushed a button bringing memories of ugly interactions the last time she lived with us. it might not be a back to school mama drama but I could sure use the book!
My oldest starts second grade on Wednesday. I enjoyed the tips. Mornings are sometimes a whirlwind before work, school and daycare.
Would love Unglued….as I often feel like that! 🙂
Thanks you for the reminder, that despite my circumstances or the attitudes of others, I can chose to “bring it”. I desire to enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I just wished I learned to do this much earlier in life….but better later than never.
Good advice – no matter what stage of life!
Love that you posted this today! Today was the first day back to school for our boys and yes, reminders are wonderful to have!
Inspires me to be a better person 🙂
Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you!
This is such a timely word of advice for me! I have actually had your book Unglued on my book list for a few months now and I am so excited to read it and let God use it in my life as a mom.
Thanks for this post Lysa, I sure needed it this evening, I asked my teen daughter a question and I guess I asked it “wrong”??….thanks for reminding me “bad moments don’t make bad mommas.” Instead of arguing back I asked God to help me keep calm. I came to my computer and found your post. God is good.. I pulled my Unglued book out and it opened to page 72 and there it was “Feelings are indicators, not dictators. I had yellowed that and Self-Control…..”I have a choice!” I went on to read Isaiah 55:10-11…God’s word will not return empty”….”The answer to keeping God’s power with me and working in me to produce self-control is letting God’s Word get inside me.” I am so grateful for your email…..Blessings, Anna
Hi, I’m new to your email feeds. My little girl will start preschool this year and I’m not sure that I’m ready for that step yet. She was born at 24 weeks and it hardly seems like she’s old or even big enough to go. I hope that your blog will help prepare me for this big change in her life!
What a great reminder, since tomorrow is a homeschool day for us. I need to lower my expectations and not let grumpy attitudes ruin my day (like they usually do.) I will look to Jesus and He will give me victory over my battle with fleshly reactions! (not sure if fleshly is a word, but hope you know what I mean ( ;
Thanks, Lisa!
thanks for the reminder that bad moments don’t make bad mamas. God is gracious and merciful and even THOSE moments can be redeemed.
Love this like I loved Made to Crave 25 pds ago!
Yep! Sometimes I feel like I’m such a big bully! My 7-year-old is the perfect target for my natural reaction to transfer my feelings of frustration to someone who can’t fight back. I have to make such an extreme effort to reign it in, I’m often left feeling exhausted. But when I have my bad mommy moments, I swallow my pride, admit I was wrong, and apologize to my daughter for overreacting. I think that at the very least, I can set an example by taking responsibility for my actions. Maybe we’ll both learn from my mistakes that way.
Although it is unfortunate, I am glad to hear that I am not the only unglued mama! I know how you felt with your “rotten lunch” story. That sounds like something my kids would say….but my story would have taken place in a public place… One with a group of perfect, never unglued mamas! On the first day of 5th grade, just two short weeks ago, my oldest did an assignment in school. It was a simple, tell-all, sort of assignment. There were statements and my son just had to fill in answers about himself (my favorite color is…. My little brother….. Etc). So, when I was reading through his answers, I saw one that said “when I read out loud….” And MY sons answer was “my mom yells at me!”. Talk about coming unglued!! I am my kids’ biggest promoter for good grades! Now if only I was my biggest promoter if not coming unglued! I am hoping that your book helps me in ways that I cannot think of myself!
Thank you for the chance to win one of your books! Thanks, also, for all the things I learn from you that help me become a better momma! :o)
I really needed to hear this today! I may only be a new mom, but I found this to be completely relevant. I am loving the experience of being a mom and getting to know this new life that is my son, but with everything being new, there’s so much second guessing (from myself and others), moments of frustration, and just so much insecurity. I feel often times that I have lost myself. But that doesn’t have to define me. And frustration doesn’t have to be the end result. I can make the decision to walk in the grace of my AWESOME God and let that define me always! Thanks for reminding me.
Thank you for your fresh perspective on the fresh new school year. Who doesn’t like a good start to things?
I definitely find I label myself the bad mama for those unglued moments! Thanks for the great reminder that those moments aren’t the sum of who I am and what I accomplish with my children!
Thank you for this… It’s so easy to weigh myself down with those negative thoughts based on a few bad moments. I have a two year old and an infant and very often I’m exhausted and my patience runs out. Doesn’t help that my attitude is SO easily shifted based on those around me! A phone call from someone having a bad day and all the sudden I can’t see out of the dark tunnel my attitude just went into. But a moment with a funny friend and my attitude shifts. I hate that I blow in the wind so easily! Your book “Unglued” is on the top of my wish list! I am so often referred to as “volatile” and I tend to be very explosive in my reactions and anger. I want so desperately to change so my kids don’t see this ugly side of me but I need a lot of work…a lot of God’s help. I don’t want to be so
Unglued all the time!
I am grabbing the “joy treasure” and am very excited to try it. My children are college age, so it is a different phase, but this unglued devotion DEFINITELY still applies! Also tomorrow I begin student teaching, so I really appreciate the reminder to look for and savor joy treasures, even as I’m praying, praying for my children, and praying to be used by God for each individual child in the classroom. I know I need the “unglued” challenge, so I signed up for it 🙂
Lysa,
Thank you for being an inspiring mom & woman! I enjoy your posts and even though my kids are too young for school, I found this ‘bring it’ post to be exactly what God needed me to hear.
PS I would Iove to win a copy of your book 🙂
Awesome points to follow. I have your book in kindle form and am working through it. So need these practical how to’s. I would love to have a copy. Lets Bring it!
Hello, wow this was a message to me. And I realized im a great mom, and I can dictate and control me and my actions with the help of God. So if I want positive outcomes I have to act on it and believe it no matter what my kids do, say, or act out. This can be useful in other areas in our lives in dealing with other people as well.thanks so much Lysa.
Thank you I thought I was the only one that gos though this. My kids are always complaining about what we don’t have and it drives me up the wall. I would love to be in the drawing for your book . I have 6 kids and need the outlet of reading a great book with positive feed back
I have just learned of you, Lysa, from my latest catalog from Christianbook.com. I have been so busy the last several months with work and healing from a surgery that I had been throwing the catalogs away, not even looking through them. This morning as I awoke and couldn’t get back to sleep, I finally picked up the latest catalog that came yesterday. (If I hadn’t woke up early, I would have never picked up the catalog, I would’ve thrown it away again.) Your books are featured on page 6. I have heard of Proverbs 31 Ministries before at church. As I read the caption that told a little bit about you, I found that you had a daily online devotional. I have read Our Daily Bread for years and like most of them. I carry one of their little devotional booklets in my pocketbook so I can read the past ones when I’m waiting in a doctor’s office or for an appointment. Anyway, I got online and googled your name to find your website. I quite enjoyed your devotional for today, Bring It. My mother taught me to always look on the bright side, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”, etc. My mother always sees the silver lining in the darkest clouds. I have had a lot of dark clouds in my life which started when I was sexually abused as a child. (I was abused again a couple more times later also, by different men.) I have not let those situations define my life though. I don’t usually tell anyone about them either. I have been going to counseling most of my life to help me deal with my “hypervigilance” that I have due to my past abuse. Last week I started seeing a new counselor. After hearing my story, she told me that she was very impressed that I was so “put together” for someone who’s been through what I have. She said I needed to give myself permission to feel the way I do, that’s it’s only natural. Lysa, I have a problem with trusting God just as I do with trusting anyone. Faith isn’t easy for me. I realize and believe that everything in our lives happens for a reason. But, there are memories that bring up feelings for me that I just can’t seem to get rid of. I have always blamed myself for what has happened to me (I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and if I had made wiser choices, past events wouldn’t have happened.) I would like to read your book Unglued as the description seems to fit my circumstances. Please consider me when you are selecting people to receive your book. Thank you.
I love the whole idea of “bring it”. It is so applicable to my every day life. In fact, I’m sure I’ll get to use it this coming day! Would love to read Unglued. Sounds right up my alley.
I homeschool and I find myself coming unglued when people don’t respect that and repeatedly call or come by during the day as if I’m not doing anything. Also, when my best laid plans don’t work out, I trends to blame…I’m working on it.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for a copy! I think “bring it” will be my motto for the new school year.
Lysa, First of all thank you for these word of BRING IT!! To be reminded time and again, God is telling me I have a choice. To be able to see God in my day is humbling and joy filling!! Thank you for being so generous in this give away!! The winners of these books are going to be blessed !!!
Thank you for such a wonderful give away! We’ve enjoyed a great summer but I too can feel my ‘unglued’ moments getting back into the school routing. I would love a copy of the book help me find better ways to deal with things!
Hi Lysa! You might be writing about kids returning to school, but as always ,you touched my heart. It seems I always receive some nugget of God’s way for me to lead my life whenever I read your words. Wow! My husband and I are awaiting biopsy results,as he has been very ill this summer. I am off to work as a nurse and my anxiety over those results is beyond high. But you are so right! There will be a blessing this day because God is in this.Thank you. P.S. loved your time at Fabulous Conference at CedarCreekChurch!
“And just in case you aren’t feeling like mother of the year today, let me make you feel better. While I was packing lunches recently my daughter said with great urgency, “Mom, just make sure none of the food you are packing in my lunch is rotten.”
This made me laugh right out loud at 6:35 a.m.!!
Thanks for the encouragement! As a home school Mom it is easy to become unglued and then live in the land of self-condemnation thinking that I am going to cause my daughters irreversible damage when I have a fit.
I have been reading Ann Voscamp’s 1000 Gifts and her perspective of always giving thanks and looking for gifts all around us has really helped me in moments when I think I may just loose it due to a little (usually unintentional) comment or action by my sweet (and sassy!) first grader!
Thanks Lisa! Using those words of wisdom this morning! Wish me luck!
Lysa,
Thanks for the encouragement. Kids can say some hurtful things even to their parents(or especially to their parents:) I remind myself all the time to model God’s love and often blow it. Thank you for the reminder to change what I can change-my attitude and how I respond. Very thankful my heavenly Father loves and accepts me how I am now with all my very glaring imperfections. Trying, with His help to love my children the same way. Looking forward to “bringing it” today.
Just what I needed to hear
Wow, this is exactly what I have needed to hear. Our daughter went off to college this year. My thinking was…now I will have one on one with my son (who is in 8th), and life will be calm. Well, expectations can sometimes Get in the way. This morning, I am entering the kitchen with the mood for the day. Thanks so much!!!! Would love to read Unglued!
Even as the mother of a 24 & 21 year old, I still experience these moments just during different scenarios. Parenting truly is a lifetime “adventure”! “Unglued” would still be a welcome addition to my library and my life!
Thank you for this!!
I just finished No More Unglued Momma Mornings through YouVersion. I love it! For the past two weeks I’ve been sick with a sinus infection and bronchitis. I’m sure everyone agrees that even though your children know you’re sick, they seem to try extra hard to push buttons. This plan has saved my sanity this week. I liked this plan so much that I’ve also started the Unglued challenge and Unglued. I truly love your work. Thank-you for helping the Unglued mommas like me.
I have not read Unglued yet, but my church group is looking at doing it when we start getting together this fall. This post reminds me of when I hear Sean Stephenson speak. He talked about how we are responsible for the energy that we bring into a room. If you’ve never heard of Sean, check out this story. Anyway, I truly have found that the more connected I am with Scripture and inspirations readings, and blogs :), the more patient, kind, and at peace I am. I love the idea of treasuring the little moments that we are blessed with each day. I used to be very frustrated when cleaning the house, picking up the socks, etc. but now I am more at peace since I see it as serving others as Jesus did. When we think of all he did for us while on this earth, how can we be offended by what we do for others, especially those closest to us? Serve others, Love others as I have loved you. When he puts it like that, it’s a little more difficult to become agitated with picking those socks up off the floor!! Thanks for your posts and website. They truly are a blessing to many, and you will never truly know the impact you have had, but you have chosen that impact to be a good one. God Bless!
I forgot to add, that whenever my kids send those “zingers” my way, I just say, “wow, they really keep me humble, don’t they?”
I am determined to “bring it!” And to try again tomorrow to “bring it better” and even better the next day! I’m reading unglued right now, thank you so much Lysa for such great teaching! Blessings!
My daughter just started full day kindergarten this year. Some days are such a struggle and others are a breeze. Thanks for the encouraging words! On those rough days, I always remind myself of Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That seems to be my motto here lately. 🙂
Praying that God controls the words that come out of my mouth especially with my children… I can’t continue feeling like Im coming unglued at the seams…
Was just having this conversation with my husband. Apologizing for being unglued and thanking him for the grace he gives me!
Thanks Lisa… Awesome thoughts!
Thanks lysa, it great advice we dont have to label our self with negative talk amd it doeant make us inpatience if we have a day of inpatience. I have three well mow four childrena five, two & one and a newborn. So thanks alot it encouraging thanks a lot may God bless our mornings and that we remember God is mercy is always close to us. 🙂
So love this~Feelings are indicators not dictators and memorizing verse Col 3:2
Love this! Reading When Women Say Yes to God right now! Would love for Unglued to be my next one!!
His Grace is sufficient. If we could just remember to forgive ourselves as much as we condemn ourselves we would be much better off! Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. May we fill our minds with “whatever is pure, whatever is holy, whatever is good”. Thank you for your encouragement Lysa!
Thanks so much for this post! Its always so good to hear that I am not the only one who comes unglued! Its a hard lesson to learn not to react with your emotions in the moment of a frustration. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
I would love to have this book for my daughter. She posted on FB yesterday that she was not Mother of the Year because she was late picking up her newly adopted son from his first day of school (4th grade). And this is after attending nursing and picking up two teenager daughters from their school. She is too hard on herself.
Wow! Really needed to read this. Saving it in my Inspiration file. With the attitudes that come with being a 5 year old boy, I am out numbered by raising three of them. Someone once said that the hot water brings out the flavor in the tea bag (my heart). Praying for God to take charge of my reactions today!!!
I am so loving “Unglued”! Recommending it to all my friends! Thanks for the message this morning! So timely! Linda
That is good advise and simple enough to apply.
Thank you so much for that reminder:) lets face it, mornings can be chaotic but I must choose to walk in kindness, gentleness, and self control. My kids start school next Tuesday and I’ll be setting a reminder to make sure I’ve spent time in His word and am ready to walk in love:)
My kids are both young adults but I still need to remind myself to have a good “mommy tude”. I still look for those little treasures that they both show every day.
Love the Joy Treasures tip. I am going to have to try that today.
Very relevant article! So grateful to have found your blog!
I needed to hear this today. Thanks!
Wow! Thank you for the reminder this morning! As the school year is right around the corner and my kids are 9 and 13, it seems like the feelings are getting more anxious as the day approaches. Stress for them is just as real as it is for me, and I needed to be reminded that I, as their Mom, should be helping them learn how to deal with it. Thanks for the advice. I remember how tough it was as a child to start the day off at school on the right foot, when I had oh so many bad moments leaving the house in the morning. It sure helps to have sisters along side us helping us to remember “the treasures”! Blessings!
I love love love ur Unglued posts, Lysa! They’ve helped me so many times to just find the positive in the situation or moment, and when I fail to just make sure I, at the very least, learn something from it! My kids (5 ages 10 and under, 3 of which I’m homeschooling, so the potential for LOTS of unglued moments always seems to be looming) are so used to hearing, “Just make imperfect progress!” 😉 Thank you for everything you do, and for always being so transparent and real with your imperfections 🙂
I’ve already read Unglued (Thank you!) But if you’re giving away copies, I have a friend that I just moved away from that I’d love to share your book with!!
Love…love…love reading your blogs and devotions! I am so thankful that God is not thru with me yet. And that those bad moments do not make me a bad mama…thanks for the reminder!
I really liked the idea of feelings being indicators not dictators. I am slowly learning over the years that I can’t always trust my feelings and many times I need to choose not to allow my feelings rule how I will act. Thanks for the reminder!
This post was sent to me by a friend while I was having an unglued moment. Look at God, right on time. I am feeing encouraged just by reading everyone’s testimonies. I’m not alone! Thank you Lysa and fellow mothers!
Thank you for this reminder, even though I don’t have school age children…others attitudes can & do bump into my happiness. I love your blog & Proverbs 31!
What an encouragement this was for me today! Taking the time to look for snapshot moments helps remind me that this time will pass all too quickly and those are the moments I want us all to remember. I would love to have a copy of Unglued! 🙂
Thanks, Lysa – I needed that this morning 🙂
Thanks, Lysa – I needed that this morning
Our attitudes can make or break a day. Like the saying goes “if momma’s not happy – no one is”. I would love to read more in your book Unglued., sounds like it would be a fun journey.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, you are such a blessing!
Shared your article about boundaries vs barriers. It really spoke to, and made things more clear to me. I appreciate your words and approach together with the spirit. Thank you 🙂
This sure sounds like many of my days. I do try to keep peace but I don’t always respond the way I should. This book sounds like it would really address these issues and help me be the mom o want to be!
I get to work at a school where we adults wear many hats. One of mine is ‘the breakfast lady’. So I am the first grown up the children see when they get to school. Our school is based on Christian principles and not all of the kids come from homes that believe the same. I want to be someone that,when they walk in,shows them they are loved and accepted. But when I hear that they didn’t do their homework because they had ‘something elseto do’ I want to reach over the counter and in love smack them.oh, I’m also one of the teachers…
Reading the devotion this morning gave me renewed determination to guard my attitude and remember that feelings are just indicators and I don’t have to cave in. God is so much bigger. My goal as I see my kids come in is to pray for them and encourage them. Pray for me 🙂
I would love to win a copy of Unglued!
Unglued moments are more common than not in my home :0) Would love to read your take on being unglued!
Thanks, the morning can be challenging. I hope to learn how to stay “glued” with your book.
Thank you for this…opened and read this right after one of “those” moments and my daughter told me that I am not being nice today. =\ How convicting is that?
I am thinking of co-teaching a study on parenting as the seasoned Mom of 3 grown children. My partner is a young mom of 4 young elementary school children. Unglued would be a wonderful addition the the book already chosen!
Would love a copy of Unglued! I need this as I try to rest in the Lord in the midst of trials and struggles, including a broken marriage, unemployment and my youngest daughter’s senior year in high school.
My youngest headed off to college this week… I needed your message more than ever 🙂
Just yesterday I swapped my girls lunches by accident, placing the wrong sandwiches in their lunch bags. I gave a PB&J to the one who doesn’t like peanut butter and Nutella to the one who doesn’t care much for chocolate. This morning my oldest (who didn’t make a big deal out of it yesterday when she got home) opened up her lunch and pulled her sandwich out going as far as to open the container and double-check what I packed her. She then had to repack her entire lunch. I wasn’t feeling the love this morning and while I didn’t become unglued the way I normally would I didn’t speak love to her. I’ve felt like a failure lately as a mom. I’m working on filling up with God so the fruit of His Spirit flow naturally.
Thank you so much for your blog and your ministry! Thank you for sharing that I am not the only one that suffers from becoming unglued on mornings getting three kids out the door to school and daycare and myself to work!
I just started to read and dive in to Lisa’s website. It is my new favorite place to go. Instead of trolling around Facebook and getting upset and angry with all of the controversial subject matter; I have found a haven in this website. She is so natural and like me in so many ways…but she is teaching me that among my flaws is a person that tries her best, loves the Lord and strives to be refined by God a little each day. Thank you for this piece of heaven in my world!
I have been wanting/needing to read Unglued for a while now!
Those are awesome reminders!!! Love it!!! Reading the Word and these wonderful ideas, books and blogs are for sure to transform minds!
The school morning chaos begins for us tomorrow. “Unglued” would be a great way to regroup and charge into the new school year!
I NEED to read unglued! Bad mornings don’t make bad momma’s. huge!
Thank you for the great post today and opportunity to win a copy of the book. I can tell this one really “speaks to me”. In the midst of chaos, I find myself noticing the sweet and tender moments with my children and husband. Blessings to all.
Thank you Lysa for your candor and God given perspective! I am a grandmother who has helped raise her two grandkids..and still am. They are 8 and 13. I am so very excited for their mom to be going to Women of Faith this Oct. in Portland, OR. ! And I am starting a women’s study using your Unglued DVD. I am nervous and excited. I loved the book and know God is going to use you in my daughter’s life and mine!!!
Thanking God for giving you the talent and grace to share.
I have three kids with 3 totally different personalities which makes for some crazy mornings/afternoons/evenings. Glad to know that I’m not the only one that gets Unglued!
Thank you, I so needed to read this today.
Thank you so much for the giveaway. Your words often make me feel like I am not alone.
I am so thankful for the words you speak and the truth you offer! I am extremely thankful for #2…as my life gets busier, I tend to become “Unglued” more often! I would love to read this book and then share it with other moms in my Bible Study group or MDO moms of the kiddos I teach!
Thanks for the timely reminder! I am especially guilty of the self-labeling. Praise The Lord the He gives us grace, and the strength to extend that grace to our kiddos!
Single mom!!! I NEED a copy of Unglued!!! 🙂
Oh, sweet Lysa. Were you eavesdropping at my dinner table last night? I have the book, read the book…LOVE the book. But last night when that “zinger” came out of the blue, I came unglued. Thankful for His mercies! Whew!
Thank you so much for sharing your heart! Your words are encouraging and every time I read one of your posts it hits home. Thank you for your willingness to be used by the King!
This was PERFECT and just what I needed this morning! I am a little unorganized but work very hard to keep everything super together for my sons mornings in an effort to not start his day off frazzled! I do have a tendency to feel the moments of insecurity in myself and am I doing any of it right … but then my little guy smiles and gives me a big hug and kiss before school and I know that is right and good and a gift from God! I grew up in a house of short tempers and I work DAILY to not be that, I want my son to know discipline but I want him to know it from a place of love, not anger! Your little messages each day on facebook are a blessing to me and I’m sure so many others! Thank you!
My babies are still little and I have yet to experience some things but reading your inspirational words helps prepare. I love the “bad moments don’t make bad mamas”! Constant encouragement.
Thank you, Lysa! I discovered you this past year and really admire you and am learning from you. I have already found my treasure this morning!:)
We recently started placing new responsibilities on our late elementary/middle school children…(time schedule for getting up, getting dressed, getting breakfast, etc. without being reminded, in addition to homework routines and evening routines.) They have parameters and know the rewards and consequences for staying within/going outside those parameters. Those are important in helping keep actions and attitudes in check, but without being rooted in Scripture, those parameters and responsibilities would just be a list of rules. Keeping God’s perspective in my heart, along with the structure for the kiddos, goes a long way in preventing unglued, rough momma mornings. So far, so good, but we’ll hit a rough patch, I’m sure. When we do, we’ll be thankful for God’s abundant grace!
Sometimes being a full time mom can feel isolating and can attack my “worth” factor as far as this world is concerned. . . Lysa’s words so often hit home in so many areas of my life as a wife and mother. .. would love to get her book Unglued so I can “stick” with it as God leads! 🙂
Mornings can be stressful in our home. Thanks so much for this reminder. I’ve heard so much about this book and it would be much appreciated as my husband says I seem to be flyng off the handle more and more these days…of course, I can always justify it. 😉
It’s amazing how God uses you in my life, as we’ll as countless others. Thank you for being obedient! I had just started reading Unglued (which is awesome!), when a full cup of water was spilled on it. It was left out to dry and got moldy…definetly had to take control over my emotions! Needless to say, I would love to be able to finish the book 🙂
Thanks Lysa for your words of encouragement! I really needed to hear those words today. Isn’t it amazing how God brings us to the people who say the things we need to hear at the right moment? It is truly wonderful! I am so grateful that you share inspiring hope for all of us each day. While none of us are perfect, we can take comfort knowing that others are in the same boat at some time or another. We just need to have faith in God to help get us through those bumpy times. Thanks again, and God Bless!
I have many “unglued” moments and its amazing how someone bringing a new perspective to the table can be so calming. Thank you for your words and inspirations.
I would love to have this book, I find myself coming unglued way more often than ever before and I am shocked at my own reactions!
Thank you!
Love the 3 tips. Especially to try to find joy in kids daily!
Gonna share this one! My dear son is off to college now, so I struggle with other morning moments as an empty-nester. However, I have so many mama friends with school aged children at home who I know have mornings like this (because I did) My closest friends & I recently finished the Unglued DVD study together & are currently doing the PR31 OBS! Thank you for speaking to our woman-heart. I’d love to be able to share a book with friends 🙂
Love your blog. My one and only daughter started college yesterday. I am so proud of her but this is a painful moment me. lol I am literally “Unglued” right now.
Bringing it!
Just. What. I. Needed. Today. I had an awesome Quiet Time only to be rocked by overtired kids who didn’t want to go to school, wear purple, take a shower, or eat breakfast at school. I can’t wait to get into more of this and read your book, if I don’t win, it’s definitely next on my Kindle list. Thank you so much for sharing this and all of your writing. 🙂 God used you today.
Lisa I was so pleased to read this. I have a senior this year which is a blessing in itself. Because she’s a cancer survivor! We weren’t sure if were ever going to see this day. And it does get frustrating at times dealing with the stress in the morning. I also have my 13 year old 8th grader whom is a lot more difficult when it comes to school. But honestly when I start finding myself getting upset or inpatient I just pause.And rremember hey Kandice calm down, you’re blessed to still have Sattyn here with you! (her name is from the fabric) My girl’s are truly a huge blessing. Thank you again so much for sharing this. i enjoyed seeing you in West Texas. I can’t wait to see you speak again. Hope you have a great school year with your beautiful children.
Lysa, I’ve been on the quest for self improvement & healing for such a long time. I was going to a Christuan couselor that helped me, but the funds ran out & I had to stop going. Then I found you, & I am so thankful God is using you to be an inspiration to all of us! I praise God for the gifts he has given us through you! I look forward to your encouraging words each day!!
I wish I would have had a Godly role model while raising my children. I repeated what I learned from my upbringing and that was to yell and yell some more. It never worked. I feel very guilty reading this now. I will pray through this as God wanted this for me today. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your gift God has given to you with me.
Thank you for this posting. We homeschool our children and this has helped me realize that I can choose to find the joy in the reasure and change my feelings about the day as I arise.
I’ve only been following your posts for a few weeks now, but they have helped me so much. Thank you for being willing to share your struggles. It has challenged me and helped my mindset each day. Blessings.
I am right there with you! I cringe immediately after words have come out of my mouth towards my children! I beat myself up after I say those things but struggle to change. Taking this challenge is the first step to trusting God that our mornings (and afternoons! Homework, yuck, and I am a teacher) are going to be better because I am going to pray that He changes my vision.
I really needed to hear this this morning and every morning! Thank you for speaking to my heart.
Thanks for the reminder that we are not defined by our “unglued” moments!!! I’m guilty of that one. :/
WOW!! Great stuff to hear as our kiddos head back to school and it’s NUTS around the house! 🙂 thank you!
Thank you, Lysa! You have no idea how much I needed these words of correction and encouragement today!
I SO needed this today! I have come to dread mornings so much ;o( In fact, I often regret many things that I do and say to my children in the mornings throughout the day…which makes me feel awful until I see them again! I am signing up for the challenge now, and it is my goal to make mornings better this year!!!
Thank you so much for your words. I just saw you speak at Women of Faith Des Moines and I was rocked by you. Thank you for your heart and for the encouragement to do and be better!
Even though I don’t hold the title of “Mama” yet, this is what I needed this morning. I loved the 3 tips!
Hi Lysa,
I would love to win a copy for my daughter. She has a 6 year old daughter and is expecting number 2 within the next 4 weeks. I believe your book would help make light for her every day experiences.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to have a chance to get this.
I have read, and will continue to reread Unglued. Every page has a morsel that I can devour and I love that I each time I read it, there is something seeminly new.
I would love to win this book FOR MY FRIEND who has just escaped an emotionally abusive marriage that followed a previous marriage that was also abusive. She is a tender, sweet woman who is trying desperately to keep her three boys safe, together, and Godly. She is finding herself repeatedly coming unglued and would really love the heart, message, and honesty that Lysa delivers.
Would love to live life glued to the Holy Spirit ❤. Awesome article, thanks.
Hi, Lisa. I just read Day 1 of your Unglued Challenge, and there was a phrase that brought the possibility of change to life: “If you relate to my hurt, I pray you will also relate to my hope.”
That very personal comment made it seem that you are right here with us, guiding us toward the restoration we can find through the Word. I’ll highlight it when I forward the devotional to others.
I hope I can adapt that phrase when I’m praying with others to help them truly KNOW that they can find answers to whatever they seek by having Hope in Jesus.
My “umbrella” Scripture for change is a paraphrase of Philippians 13-14 – I leave the past behind and press on toward God’s heavenly prize.
Lysa – you truly have a gift of speaking to our hearts, of encouraging us to BE and DO more according to God’s will. I can’t count how many times I’ve copied things you’ve written and put them on my bulletin board or my bathroom mirror! Thank you!!
Thank you for your honesty through your blog–it is so encouraging to be able to say, “me, too!” about so many things.
I needed this reminder today. I want to be a good example for my children. Being their mom is the best job I’ve ever had. I would love to win a copy of Unglued. I haven’t read it yet. But I finished Made To Crave last year and it changed my life. Thank you for your encouragement and always keeping us to seek The Lord in all our troubles…no matter how small… Because the truth is… They aren’t small.
Great advice!!
Great post, Lisa! I keep hearing God say “choose”, “lead”, and don ‘t let our circumstances dictate our attitudes. Pls keep sharing!!
Love the tips in finding little joys!!
I would become unglued with happiness to receive an “Unglued” written by you, Lysa! Cannot remember when my family last had a glued together morning that actually stuck. I enjoy your devotionals and your writings, please continue! Thank you!
My children are all grown and out of the house so I don’t have the typical “unglued mama” moments that you talk about. At least not with my kids! However I have discovered that the stories and advice you share apply equally as well in dealing with my husband! 🙂 Thank you!
My daughter could use this book so bad…she has two children and one on the way and her mornings are always unglued! She could benefit from all your helpful ideas in your book!!
Needed this!
Definitely a word I needed to hear. Thankyou Lysa!
I would love to win a copy. Thank you for the encouraging words! Have a blessed day!
Love this post! It all starts with us. As mamas we set the tone. Fill me Jesus! I need Thee how i need Thee!!
Have been wanting to read your book, Unglued…something I feel from time to time!!! Thanks lysa!
I am very happy to have recently found your blog. I love it. This particular post will be helpful as we begin the new school year–seems we are always running late and forgetting things in the craziness of getting back on track with school schedules and that always caused stress in the past-not this year! Thanks for the tips! I am ready to BRING IT!
Thank you for this! Yesterdays homework time and this morning were difficult. I can see that my bad mood effects my girls and they in turn fight more. I feel horrible about it and it is on my mind all day. I will remember this and “bring it” when I pick them up this afternoon.
Oh I can totally relate to those “impatient” moments! Would love to win a copy of your book! Love your blog! <3 Thanks so much!
I’m struggling with feeling unglued in so many areas of my life. As a wife, mom, daughter, co-worker, friend, daughter-in-law, best bud, I feel I’m working at each of these relationships but unglued in all of them. Thank you for this blog as I needed this encouragement today! God Bless!
You give such wonderful and applicable advice, especially to mothers; as a grandmother and mothers’ helper/nanny, I daily see and pray for the interactions between moms and kids. I found the book Unglued invaluable, and have given my daughter a copy as well. But I would love to have another copy to share with the sweet mom at the bus stop that was overwhelmed this morning! Thanks for your obedience and your example.
Reading your blog makes me feel so much better as a person, and esp. as a mom! Knowing Im not alone in the way I feel at times is wonderful!!
I love that “bad moments don’t make bad mamas” because I have those days. Thanks for your honesty and the opportunity to win!
I’ve been feeling really down as of late. I’m a stay at home mom of three rambunctious boys. My husband, who is terrific BTW, works two fulltime jobs. I feel like a single parent a lot of times. I just feel like a nobody. I have a pitiful two year college degree but what else? Everyone tells me “You’re a mom! Greatest job in the world!” Yeah. But who am I? Who is Mandy??? I don’t have an identity. Our oldest son is 13 and he is a terrific, although extremely messy, child. He loves the Lord and enjoys going to church. Our two little ones are hard-to-deal-with children. Most especially our 5 year old. He is happy for the most part but sometimes has a bad attitude and temper. I mean, when is he going to outgrow the temper tantrums? He is very moody in the mornings and makes me want to go running from the house. I’ve even made the comment I would rather cut off my pinky toe than have to deal with him in the mornings before school. When his mood is bad mine goes from trying to wake up to very irritated. We both are definitely not morning people. I man sure he goes to bed at a recent hour. That has no effect on his mood. He’s a hardcore whiner.
I feel pulled in so many different directions. I choose not to go anywhere with out kids unless my husband is along because it’s just too stressful. They’re too hardheaded and won’t mind when I try to talk to them. My patience in the last couple years is nonexistent. I just stay cooped up in the house. I used to live going to the gym, playing softball, scrapbooking, and even crazily enough, grocery shopping. I still have our 3 year old at home but I hate to ask my family to babysit. I don’t want to burden anyone and recently my mom’s health has gotten so bad I really dont want to even ask her.
I don’t know where to go from here. I guess I’m just being pathetic and feeling sorry for myself when I have no real reason to be. I have it better than most people. I just feel like no one wants me around except for my beat friend who has more than once been on the other end of one of my rants. What to do from here?
I
Feelings don’t dictate my mood. Wow that is hard to swallow! But worth trying. Today I choose to be happy!
Mornings are the most challenging part of our day.
love this book– gave away my copy to my cousin and have yet to replace it : )
Oh how I need the reminders in this book! with 4 kids, those mornings come all too often. I also lead a group of young momma’s and know they could use the encouragement too. I would pass along the great info!
I would love to win a copy!! Pick me! 🙂
I would love a copy of “Unglued”. I have the daily devotional which has helped me tremendously by getting me to stop and think about what I say BEFORE it comes out. Thank you!
I work in a facility that serves disabled adults and youth and your post is so applicable to the attitude we need to bring to work every day! Thanks for the thoughts.
THIS was exactly what I needed to read this morning! Thankful for the way the Lord uses you and your writing! I am a single again mom of three kids-one son who is away at college and I have two at home-one who just start her first year of community college-notice I said her…she is so grown….soon to be 19 so we have our own set of mother/daughter/challenges right there! As well, I have a 13 year old who just recently went from teetering at the edge of puberty to full throttle-added to that, he has Down Syndrome. His middle name is Stubborn! When you factor in my own menopausal issues, this house is the epitome of an insane asylum -not just mornings….sometimes its really difficult to remember that JOY does come in the mornings….oft times I don’t actually see that joy until the kids have left for school and the joy I see/feel is more like elation followed by dancing-then a frenzy of cleaning the mass destruction left behind from getting ready and out the door. I have challenges every second of the day it seems and it is a fact I have more melt downs and bad momma moments in front of my kids than not-I’ve had your book on my wish list for quite sometime and have signed up for your 5 day Unglued Challenges before too! Every single time I open an email its EXACTLY what I needed for that exact moment and helps me through the rest of the day! Thank you for your ministry-truly a blessing!
I love my early mornings when no one is up. I am so calm and serene and have every intention of having a great morning with my kids, …and then they get up. Yup, I blow it! Your blog is ministering to me consistently and I would love to win this book.
I have four girls who are all six and under (my last two are 16 month old twins). Your second point of bad moments don’t make you a bad mama made my heart skip a beat and I got a lump in my throat. I want to be patient, kind, loving, and peaceful all the time. But obviously it doesn’t happen. For whatever reason I will let situations where I become unglued overrule my thoughts and I can feel guilty for an entire afternoon over one moment. Thank you for speaking truth and helping me find a way not to focus on the negative moments in my life.
Morning are hard for me! I am learning not to be a grouch to anyone! So far so good better attitudes all around. The saying is true if mama bear aint happy, nobody is happy!
I would love to win a copy of ” Unglued”! With the school year just around the corner I can see myself being” unglued” in the morning!
Thank you for what you do. It helps to be reminded that we’re not alone as we struggle with the day to day.
This was right on point this morning! God is ALWAYS an on time God! Thank you for this!
Oh Lysa you have no idea how much I need to read unglued right now. My life seems to have been pulled out from under me. I feel so unsteady on my own two feet. My marriage is in deep hurt right now. And my little boy is in the middle of all of it. I just don’t want to see him hurt. Please pray for my family and restoration of my marriage.
Thank you!!
Hi Lysa! I have seen you at my church in Jacksonville Illinois and every since then, have bought many books by you, followed, sgared, commented on a TON of your Facebook posts. I absolutely LOVE how well God speaks through you -directly connecting to the Holy Spirit in me. I am forming a small women’s group and have prayerfully decided “Unglued” is where the Lord is leading. Your help with these books would be v ery much appreciated. Thank you for being so “real” and for just being you! God Love spills out onto me and many others because of hiu and your obediance with Him. Big Hugs! Sincerely, with all Christ’s Love in me. Michelle Smith
The worst feeling is knowing I sent my children to school after an awful morning. Taking control of my emotions and reminding myself that I don’t have to feed off of their moods or take everything they say so personal is a struggle for me. I’m constantly trying the positive self-talk, it can just be so hard with so much negative going in and not much positive to refill myself. Thanks for all you do!
So very thankful for Unglued! Knowing that there may be hope for my awful mommy moments after all…Imperfect Progress!
My son will sometimes come up to me out of the blue and say “mom I love you”. Nothing stops the coming unglued quicker when he does that for me. I try and imagine God doing the same thing throughout my day!
I feel as if I’m unglued ALL the time! I could really use some encouragement!
Thank you for your encouragement and sharing the times you aren’t perfect. Your humility and humor always boost my spirit. I do tend to look too much at the big picture, instead of valuing the little joys in each moment. Then, I get overwhelmed and emotions take over. I’ve got Unglued on my wish list to read for myself, and then to share with my daughters.
Seems like I feel unglued all the time, would love to have your book to guide me through these times.
Hi Lysa,
Thank you for the good reminder that we don’t have to set the tone for our entire day based on 1 negative moment.
Great advice! I need this book!
As a single mom, I struggle every day to be both parents to my children…knowing (thankfully) that where I fall short (as I often do) God steps in! However there are some mornings where I can not seem to keep it together. I know it’s because I haven’t figured out how to get enough sleep, spend quite time (in the morning) with God and get my kids up and out of the house on time. UGH. It is quite a challenge. However, there are those moments when you’re in the car with your kid and they’ll say something that just let’s you know you are doing ok..whether they are being kind to their little sister or they are wishing you a good day. It does happen….and I long for those days.
One day, one moment at a time! 🙂
While my children are adults with children and challenges of their own, I appreciate this reminder. I can’t control the moods of those around me, in my home, on the highway, in the office or the grocery store checkout, but I can control my mood and I can offer love and peace and kindness to everyone I meet. I’ve also shared this with my ladies bible study group. Great for any age.
Just because I have an impatient moment doesn’t mean I am an impatient mom…SWEET TRUTH! Thanks, Lysa!
Love this post! Thank you 🙂
I am so thankful for our God of second chances. I came unglued many times with our three children. All three within ten months of age. God has given me another opportunity with the granddaughter we are raising. Thank you for your ministry.
Thank you for all of your encouraging Words
I am not a morning person. My 3 oldest kids get themselves up and ready for school – I generally only see my oldest daughter for a few minutes as she says goodbye. But I have to get my 7 year old up and ready. She is not a morning person either. We have VERY ROUGH mornings. Thank you for this post. Will definitely try to look for the hidden treasures of the morning. BRING IT! 🙂
I always feel better when I hear other moms have the same kinds of insecurities and “mommy issues” as me. I’m not alone. We all go through it.
I have been feeling this way for what feels like forever. In my marriage, friendships, with my children, and even people I come across in public! So I decided to purchase your 60 day devotional and book Unglued! I am on day 5 and I’m doing well in my imperfect progress 🙂 I hope to win a book that I can use for a drawing at our first M.O.P.S. meeting next month. This is my first year as coordinator and I’m hoping to make an impact in these womens’ lives as well as my own by coming together with this book. 🙂
Thank you for the reminder that we do not need to pick up the “Label Lies”. I catch myself picking up “Label Lies” and wearing them like free advertisement for the devil… ‘I always…I never…I am so…I couldn’t ever…I am not…’ All of those labels become so confining. I begin to think of myself as unworkable and unchangeable. Lies, all lies!!! God is mightier than all of that! I chose light!
How in flames do you know me so well…and here I thought we were so individual and unique only to discover that women are more alike than we are different. Heaps of great information and reminders contained in this piece. I’m grateful for your wisdom and transparency…it helps me to discover and uncover my own! Another great wisdom tidbit I picked up years ago…What face do your children see on you when they walk into the room…do they see your displeasure, annoyance, criticism ready to spring forth or do they see a welcoming smile…love in your eyes. Boy, I have tried to remember this…I’m not always perfect, but I purpose to be in this one thing. Bless you Lysa and thank you for saying yes!!!
I recently found your blog and have enjoyed it. I am learning a lot and would love a copy of Unglued!
Thank you for the honesty and encouragement. Nice to know it’s not just me that has these moments with my kids! I’m ready to “bring it” — patience, love, peace!
Thank you for this!!!
Thank you for sharing! I do tend to label myself, but I always have a positive reality to replace it with…just didn’t realize it till you named it!
Even tho my kids are grown, we often have daily interactions and stresses and my reactions that often make me feel like a bad mom. I want to focus less on those moments and more on the positive moments that I could miss if I don’t pay attention to them.
How did you know…oh wait God knew I would see this on a friends facebook and know that my heart was aching for relief. I will look for the treasures. Thank you for being Jesus today for me. Love in Christ.
I’ve been wanting to read this book. I need to put it at the top of my reading list! I don’t want to become unglued this school year as I tackle a new blog and new schooling with my oldest. Thanks.
It’s a good one!
The Orange Rhino.com is another blog that really helped me with my reaction levels.
Thankfully school hasn’t begun here yet.. mainly because I homeschool and I just ordered most of it yesterday :/ and my birthday is this Saturday.. SO, I don’t begin until afterwards. LOL
This was really encouraging! I am very emotional and life is hard right now. I need to be reminded to control my emotions rather than letting them control me. Thanks, Lysa!
I LOVE receiving your devotions and reading your FB posts! They always seem to come at just the right time and apply exactly to where I am in my life and faith walk. Thank you for your candid honesty and straight-forwardedness.
I would love to win a copy of UNGLUED. I have a teenage son and I want to be a better mom to him and a better example of a Christ-centered life!
Back in the day as a young mother Elizabeth Elliot was my mentor. How fortunate I am to have your encouragement and sound Godly wisdom I glean as a grandmother!
I’ve been trying the Orange Rhino challenge and its good but this sounds like it’d be a good spiritual help with that. I’m not gifted with patience… thankfully I’m gifted grace and prayer.
this is so inspiring to me, i definitely needed this, so thank you!
Today was the day I needed to read this. I love how God does that! I say every morning before I get out of bed, “Today I will remain cheerful as we get ready to leave for school.” I was only focusing on the times I did not keep that promise to myself. Thank you for allowing me to see past my imperfections and find joy.
Your devotionals/blogs are truly inspiring for me. The Lord is doing great things through you!
Love this. Needed it. Thank you. <3
I am constantly amazed at how you hit the nail on the head every time! I admit that I don’t open every email update that I get from you, but when I do its like my day gets a little brighter and my heart gets a little lighter. You always have a pulse on what is really making my day drag down to the unglued territory. Thank you so much for all you do 🙂
I can use this even if I am not a mom yet. Thank you Lysa!
My girls only come over on weekends and I get totally stressed out with them on Sunday mornings! We take the Max (public transportation) to church and have to leave my apartment by 9:15 or we will miss the train and have to wait until 9:52 for the next one making us about 15 minutes late to church. So they always wake up and start playing games or watching strange tv shows on the Wii and don’t even move to begin getting ready until 8:45 and that is only because I get mean with them and make them turn the TV off so they will be ready by 9:15. Big time attitude problems with this one, then I get to church and I am grumpy and everyone asks me why and I have to complain about my darling 12 and 16 year olds who refuse to move quickly on a Sunday morning!! Don’t like to be grumpy at church!!
I definitely needed this. I feel unglued and it seems like I let my frustration and the emotions that go a long with it dictate my behavior. Your encouragement gives me the will to do something different.
Oh Lisa, this post brings tears to my eyes. How you knew I needed this is beyond me. How HE knew I needed this exact post I completely understand! I’ve had a VERY tough couple of days feeling like the world’s worst Mommy and Wife. I’ve been reeling with trying to cope with the fact that I’m not the ‘fun Mom’. I’m the disciplinary that my hubby feels at times is too tough. What’s tough enough? What’s not tough enough? I feel so lost at times and pray I’m making the right choices. I’m trying to be in a better mind frame when those moments that you spoke about in your blog happen that break me down and start my mornings off wrong. Hoping your book can assist me in this process. Thank you Lisa for always seeming to be my long distance friend that talks to me over my morning cup of coffee. xoxoxo
God is using you to encourage mothers like me. Tired, stressed, but hopeful mothers like me. Thank you for connecting with us, it seems you’re always saying exactly what I need to hear at the moment. God bless you.
So many of us working moms feel like failures because we don’t measure up. Thank you for encouraging all kinds of moms.
You inspire me… God Bless you!!!
This was such a timely and meaningful reminder to me to stop labeling myself based on one or two moments. I am treasuring the joy if laughing over breakfast with my two boys who get up early just so we can have family breakfast together!
You always deliver a fresh start to my morning with your on-target encouragement, Lysa. Thanks!
Today! Dear Lord, I have decided to “bring it!” Yahweh…
Great reminders this time of year!
As a mother of three teenage daughters, two of them being twins..weekday mornings are very unpredictable. I have your Unglued devotional which I read each day. Thank you for your encouraging words to all us Mamas that can come unglued. You show us that we are not alone and in spite of our mistakes, we can get back up and keep pushing through. Thank you!!
Love your insight…..so wish I had this when I was raising my kids. I cannot count the times I came “unglued”
Thank you for your insightful words! It’s as if God said to you, ‘write this today, because Jennifer needs to know this!’ bless you,
Jennifer Lowe
My children are older, one is married and they are both in college, a senior graduating in December and a junior, but I find you still go through these things. My people that bring those attitudes to the plate are not my children but my co-workers and I found this most helpful, because I cannot control what they bring to the table each morning. Thank you for sharing.
My oldest just started school so now we have 2 different drop offs in the mornings and I have to try to get to work on time. Mornings leave me feeling like such a bad mom by the time I get to work and I am absolutely exhausted. Not a great way to start the day. 🙁
I just had the awesome opportunity to hear you speak at Women of Faith and all I can say is that I finally don’t feel alone! I am just getting into my copy of “Unglued”, but would love the chance to win it to share it with others! Thanks for showing us there is hope in the midst of the chaos!!
This devotion came right on time for me today! Thank you!
“Feelings are indicators, NOT dictators”!!! Yes! I needed to hear that!
Disheartening words will come as we raise our children. However, Christ lives in me, thus I am victorious. Thank you, Lysa, for your words of wisdom.
Thanks Lysa, for the encouragement. You are so right!!! WE need to “bring it”. Love the thought there. Now if I can just implement it!!!! As always, thanks for your words they always turn and direct me to the Father!!!!!
I’m a stressed out and often “unglued” momma of a 16 year old son who is autistic. School starts next week and trying not to worry about what our mornings or the school day will bring as he often becomes “unglued” if his routine changes in the least which leads to me usually not being my best. I get up every morning and thank God that he is who he is and would never change him for the world. He (both my son and God) have changed me for the better through our journey of life with him. I have spent the summer praying for peace and the ability to demonstrate to my son God in me and hoping he will also mirror the same. Hard to teach him about patience etc when I can’t even do it myself some days but I get up every morning and try my best…some days good…some days not so much……I enjoy your blogs and make me feel like I’m not alone in this journey!
I would LOVE to win a copy of your book “Unglued”! I recently took your 5 day “Unglued Challenge” and it was so helpful. Your daily encouragement on Facebook and P31’s website has truly been life-changing for me. God has most certainly used you to help me become a better mother, wife and woman of God. Thank you!
i’m not having an unglued morning….more like an unglued month. timely post as i lost it last night, crying to my husband about how i’m not good enough, do this right, etc. etc. etc. thank you for speaking to my heart.
This is only the 7th full day of school and I have already come unglued on a couple of those mornings! Reading your article “Bring It”, makes me realize that dadgumit, you are right!! I AM IN CONTROL of my own mind and it’s up to me to make the best out of every situation no matter how hard I have to fight with my 6th grader to get him out the door every morning!! When I tell him “honey, this is the last time I’m going to tell you” I will say it with a smile in my voice and a song in my heart! Thank you for “bringing it” to me!! God Bless You and your Ministry!
I have your Unglued book, but I would love to have one to share with my friend/co-worker. Such encouragement! Thanks, Lysa, for all that you do to help advance the Kingdom of God!
Great post for moms…AND dads.
I haven’t read the book yet but have done the 5 day devotional on You Version. Good stuff!
Oh, Wow!
I needed this today. This year I will be the art teacher for elementary and middle school students. I desire to “bring it” as I enter the room of middle school students who adopted bad habits from a previous art teacher who required no structure or discipline or respect. On top of that it is HOT- (there is no AC in the building and in spite of two fans running, we all want to melt!) Yesterday, the first day of the year, I met the middle school attitude. I need to turn the ship around, so to speak, as far as classroom procedures and expectations are concerned. I want to do it with grace- because I KNOW that my witness as a Christian is so crucial to these children. Lord help me Love them into positive changes….. beginning with myself! I’d love a copy of Unglued for my personal devotion as a teacher!
I have found the book “Unglued” to be so helpful for me! My first copy that I got I gave away to a friend after I had read through it once and when I was half way through my second time when I gave that copy to a friend of mine! It is such a wonderful book with so many great insights to help anyone in their daily walk with God and their relationship with others! It is one of my favorite books!!
I loved your book Unglued! I’ve already given away a copy to one of my closest friends. I’d love to have 5 more copies to share with others.
Oh for Faith, to heed this advice.
“Bad moments don’t make bad mamas”. I love this thought!
I love the encouragement you give through being open and real with who you are in Christ.
I had to remind myself and my kids that we can’t blame others for our bad attitudes and unkind words. We can’t control what others say, but we can control how we react.
I sooo needed to read this today!! We had a bad moment yesterday–which left me feeling guilty and believing I am a terrible mama! However, we turned it around this morning for the first day of school. Both kids out the door without any kinks and homemade muffins to boot! Thank you Jesus for your mercy and and loving guidance!
What helpful thoughts! I’m passing your blog along to my daughter who is raising her two little ones. Thanks for the affirmation.
You are so honest and real – thank you, Lysa!
Love the “find the joy treasure”. These little treasures are growing too fast!
Thanks for the reminders. I had one who woke with a horrible attitude this morning!
So glad I ‘found’ you through a friend. Your words are a gift. I often let my teens unpredictable attitudes dictate my mood. Thank you for these timely words to help put that in perspective. I will look for those joy treasures to store up.
thank you so much Lysa for these thougths today… I was driving to work and just thinking about my relationship with my kids and how and what I could do to improve things. So THANK YOU.. just what I needed.
Wish I had some more of those hectic mornings I whined about. My daughter and her three kids lived with me for almost 4 years, and now they have moved back to our home state of NC and I really miss the chaos. I went from a house full of kids to an empty nest overnight. Quite an adjustment!
I bought Unglued for my mother who is struggling caring for my dad with Parkinson’s. But everyday I think, “I should have read that before I gave it to her!” An extra copy would be wonderful.
Unglued covers too many of my mornings…winning the book would be a real blessing. :o)
I am sad a friend mother just died to day from cancer.im still looking for a Christian man to come in to my life
It’s unfortunate, but the truth, that my life is so filled with unglued moments that it seems to be part of my identity. These words of Lysa’s seem to be like God’s balm to my spirit.
Thank you for this reminder! It is so true!
It is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? Who is in control of me? What am I trying to keep it together with–What’s my glue? He is with me all the way!
Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to read this! I have had plenty of unglued mornings with school starting this year and it has been a struggle!
Thank you for this. I can picture myself in so much of what you have written. Unfortunately I tend to get upset with my daughter when we are rushing (should I say I am rushing ) and she is moving at a snail’s pace without a care in the world. Then I feel really sad that I fuss at her for not being faster !! I HAVE to slow down and enjoy the moments !!
So appreciate you and your ministry. Your words are always timely and just the encouragement that I’m needing at that moment. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing!
Found it at the library and LOVE this book so far. Thank you for your wisdom.
Thank You!! I have read the book and would love to have a copy of my own. Really struggling this week. Dealing with lots of feelings…
Thank you for your words of encouragement!
Just like church Sunday, the sermon was ment for me. My children are grown but my job in a elementary school is like having my own children back everyday. I try to be their little bright spot in their day because I don’t know what was behind that door when they left it this morning or what is waiting when they get back home. God loves the little children and so do I.
I have a loving, but busy family and often feel myself coming “unglued”….would love to win! My twin boys are seniors this year, my daughter is in her last year of elementary school. Our lives are hectic, crazy hectic some days. Between school requirements and extra-curricular engagements, whew! My husband is battling some medical issues that add to the sheer craziness of our blessed household. Your website and the way you write are such an inspiration. You help mom’s like me…..thank you!
I would love guidance on not becoming unglued! thank you for the chance!
vers
Unglued sums up many mornings….I’m looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for the encouragement.
Love your wisdom and insight. Pick me please 🙂
So grateful for this post today. I’m going thru a difficult time w/ a parent who’s child I watch. Our conversations have left me feeling taken advantage of, unappreciated, and disrespected. But your post reminded me that all I can do is what I can do. I can continue to do the best I can, but cannot control anything beyond that. Now if only I can remember that and not come “unglued” again!!
I come unglued way too often. Looking forward to your suggestions.
OK? How do you know me so well. Your readings are what I need and what I feel. Thanks, How I love to read you each day.
I can relate so well. Thanks for all of you insight!
Thanks for the encouragement. Just because I have an impatient moment doesn’t mean I’m always going to be an impatient mother.
I saw you at women of faith des moines and you are such an inspiration!! I would love your book!!!
I just was sitting in the bookstore the other day with Unglued and Crave in my hand. I bought Crave and would love to win Unglued!! I have a nine and a six year old and I’m trying to be a better Christian example to my kids. I could use lots of good advice. Thanks for sharing your life experiences with us!!!!
Thank you for this today. I’m just now reading it at bedtime and let’s just say that I should have read it as soon as I woke up. It seems to me that everything you have written abou the last few weeks is me. I’m beginning to think you are in my house.
I always appreciate your words of wisdom. It is hard to get out of negative ruts! Some days are harder than others. I have been looking for your book “Unglued” at the library.Hope to be picked! God Bless!!
Love your posts. I would love to read your books.
Sure needed this one–have one to get ready for kindergarten, one for first grade, a daughter who is a senior with “nothing to wear” for the all important senior pics, and my college grad moved back home this weekend so she can go to nursing school. All of them need me this week more than usual–my reserves and patience have been waning–glad to know that bad moments don’t equal bad moms!
Wow, just what I needed to read as I’m sitting here thinking about how I wish tomorrow morning would be peaceful and even dreading having to wake up my girls, 1 in particular who is not enjoying school.. Anyway God obviously gave me an urge to check in on your blog and I’m so glad I did. Thanks for the wisdom and encouraging words, thanks for letting God use you to speak into strangers lives. I seriously needed them, tonight more than ever!
Thanks! I needed that!
Your words are so encouraging. Sometimes in the rush of the morning it is hard to see the little trreasres, thank you for sharing these words of encouragement.
I love all things Lysa! I would love a copy of Unglued!!
Love! Great reminders…
Word! My kids will soon be packing their own off to school, but these truths apply to my workplace as well, so I’m packing them up to digest and live out there. Thanks, Lysa.
Good stuff!
Confession: I’ve already read UNGLUED….parts of it twice. Yesterday, I listened to the opening study session while blanching beans. First of all, it made me want to visit Florence, but most importantly, God used it to give me a calm heart to prepare me for an evening which would be unpredictably unorganized ( helping my man w/ a broken tractor hitch, knocking the side mirror of his work truck , and lots of spilled milk) , I was able to respond graciously! Praise The Lord! His spirit is working in my heart! If I won a copy, I would pass it on to a friend.
Thanks so much for all of your words of encouragement.. You are a blessing
Felt unglued yesterday morning with my daughter. After her running around to get ready for school ranting because she was going to be late because of HER new puppy, she left in a huffy mood and I was in an even huffier mood but then she called for me to bring her ball clothes that she forgot to her, not caring if I was going to be late. … Thanks to this devo this morning I am in a better place with her today! Breathe!!
I would love to read this book, Unglued! I feel like most of my reactions are unglued, but thank God He is not finished with me yet!!
I enjoy reading your blog & seeing that I am not the only one dealing with these issues. You turn my morning stress/tears into laughs. Thank you so much. You are truly a blessing.
I just love the idea that just because we have an impatient moment, we aren’t impatient, in our character.
Timely
Just what I needed.
Thanks so much for your words Lysa. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one having these feelings about myself. We’re all in this together.
You are “spot on” most of the time. Yes, attitude is key–it’s everything.
So glad I “stumbled” upon this today! God is so gracious to provide just what we need, exactly when we need it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy reading your posts and being encouraged and challenged to live my faith out daily!
Love your Unglued Mama Mornings series! I did the short devotional offered through the YouVersion app on my phone and I still have those three points written on Post-Its and hanging in my kitchen!
Thank you for your encouraging words today! I have 5 kids from 24 down to 10 and sometimes the labels we build in our lives of ourselves tend to creep up on you. Thank you for reminding me that bad moments don’t make bad mamas and that those precious moments you capture forever in you mind and heart make it all worth while.
Lysa, Unglued would definitly describe a lot of my mornings during the school year. My 14 year old son is so difficult to get motivated in the mornings! Thanks for all your godly advice.
Vicki
Lysa, thanks for sharing these gems for us. They are clear examples, making us see how we can apply yhese principles to set the tone in our homes, not the circumstances around us!
Lysa’s words have been a blessing to me!!!
Thank you!
I was unglued to the max today :(. As I put my head on the pillow, I had a strong feeling that I needed to catch up on your blog to find some encouragement! Thank The Lord for his nudge to find this post. I’m basking in his gentle mercy!
I need that book please!! :)))
I love this and need this reminder daily. Why is it so easy to become unglued so fast? So comforted by the fact I’m not alone in this, but want to be challenged by your book and Gods call for me to “bring it” in my family and daily life!
So far this school year has been better than last year….one week in…
Thank you for helping this 71 yr old grandma/great-grandmother “bring it” to her day! My days are different than when I was a young mom, but every bit as challenging. I will be looking for and picturing the joy treasure today and each day.
Hazel,
Forgive me for intruding on your reply, but your response brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful encouragement to those of us following in your footsteps. Your tenderness to growing closer to Jesus every day is my “Joy Treasure” this very morning.
Thank you for being a strong example. Your “Treasure Hunt” will be in my prayers.
Thank you!
Thanks so much for the inspiration. I am committing the “bad moments don’t make bad mamas” to memory to remind myself when I feel like I have totally bombed.
Thank you for the great words of wisdom!
I read your two chapters of the book and i really was surprised to see how you and i are so alike. I printed the copies out and showed them to my husband telling him that this is what does on in my mind. He read it and was smiling. He said: “Now i see how things are so together in your mind”
I love your books!
Holta
I would love to read your book. The little tidbits I have read really hit home.
Wow! I really needed to hear these words of encouragement today, actually most days. I’m so thankful to have found your resources!
My daughter started kindergarten this week and I have already had a couple of “unglued” moments. Your challenge and book would help me a lot!
I almost “skipped” the post this time when I saw it was about moms and their kids? Why? Because my kids are in their 40’s and my grand kids are in highschool. None are living with me. But then I felt compelled and went back and read through and found myself extending your thoughts, Lysa, to other roles — I don’t want to be an unglued co-worker, or friend, or spouse, etc. and started seeing how your words of “Bring it” appied to ALL areas of our busy lives in the various roles we fill each and every day – and what a difference we can CHOOSE to make by that one simple change in our own attitude. So….”Bring it” is so aptly said. Thanks.
I feel like every morning is unglued! 3 kids who don’t want to move in the morning and a new baby coming in 7 weeks..yikes!
I am often caught in the trap of labeling myself as less than worthy based on one or two bad actions. Working daily to look at myself through God’s eyes instead of my own!
Lysa,
Your lines: “Take a snapshot this morning of this joy treasure. Don’t miss it. When you find it, tuck it in your heart and let it sink deep” are encouraging and filled with hope. Thanks.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and experiences with us as moms. I will take this nugget of wisdom and seek to be a doer of the word as I wake up tomorrow looking for the joy moments.:-)
Your practical wisdom is much appreciated! I have recently been watching your bible study DVD “What happens when women say yes to God”. I am planning on hosting a ladies bible study this Fall where I will share this life transforming study with some of the women in my neighborhood. I love how you are so transparent with your audience. It inspires hope because although we are unique in many ways, it is clear that we are similar as well. Thank you for being so real!
Beautiful words, sister. Love your writing. So glad I found you. God bless and thank you for the offer of your new book!
love from Connecticut
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! I think I totally need it! Thanks for the chance to win Lysa!!
I haven’t read “Unglued” but I am reading “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” and doing the OBS. I have many “unglued” moments and not always with my children. I love how your words can be used in any situation, really. Thank you for what you do and letting God use you how He does. Look forward to someday reading it!
Great words of wisdom. It was a treat getting to hear you speak in OKC!
Thank you for this i thought that i was the only mom feeling this way and that i was a bad mom when i was “unglued”. Now i see i can overcome and be a better mom and wife with encouragement by taking a moment of Gods word.
This is me most everyday. I need this book. I attend services faithfully and have our it before the Lord in prayer but still need that ‘something’ that will ‘click’ with me. That turning point I’ve been desperate for. My children need me to have this.I tend to let moments overshadow life and dictate feelings and emotions. I want our days to be filled wIth more of what that deserve.
You have no idea how much I needed this article this morning! I have such a rough time with my daughter in the mornings, between her not liking her hair, any clothes I try to help her pick out, or even just one of us looking at her. She is just not a morning person at all, & honestly it has a way of ruining my entire morning & sometimes my son’s as well. So sad. :'( I try not to have a “bad” reaction or come unglued, but sometimes it just happens. I am definitely praying to react better or not at all, & to set the tone of the kind of morning I want/need it to be. I just signed up for the challenge, & cannot wait to start it. I definitely need to read the book to! Thank you again for such a touching, timely article. It was much needed! 🙂
DJ-im right there with you sister with my 5 yo. This post was so encouraging. There really are so many treasures in these imperfect moments-just hard to see sometimes. God bless you!
Wow!! I really needed this today!! Been having a rough morning and reading that made me stop and reevaluate the situation. I CAN have more control. I just have to take control!! Thank you! !
You are sooo inspiring!!! I love coming to your Web site when I need some inspiration!!!
And I would LOVE a copy of Unglued 🙂
I am a firm believer that God gives us the tools to handle what he gives us. I have struggled for years between the sweet person that my friends and co-workers know to the unglued mama at home. My 17 year old son and I butt heads on a daily basis. We had an especially bad day yesterday, and I asked God for help. This morning, I received an e-mail from Faith Gateway featuring Lysa’s Unglued book & video study. What perfect timing! I can’t wait to start reading!
God is using you for me to help me to become less unglued. Your encourage ment gives me the strength to surrender my reactions to his control. Thank you for being my big sister that I never had.
Thank you so much for sharing this!!! This was the answer to a question I posed with a group of friends. (Why should I try so hard when the kids will just get up with a bad attitude?)! And then what if I get to work and someone “ruins” my mood? You have been so instrumental in my life without even knowing it!! Thank you! Keep doing life with US!
Thank you for your words of wisdom and truth.
This gives new meaning to the phrase ” Bring it”. I love the 1-2-3 reminders. The morning is so precious because it is right before we send our babies out into the world. I want to be encouraging and uplifting for them to make them strong as they face the day. Thank you!!!!!
Thanks so good to know it is something we can change and not something we just deal with:)
Was just reading Colossians this morning and thinking how I love God’s word. It truly has everything that I need. And for today: “Let the peace of Christ rule your heart.” There’s a whole sermon or teaching in that one phrase and sooo lines up with lesson one of your new video series. I choose the peace of Christ today – no matter what!
Lysa, you are truly an inspiration!! You are proof that God uses people to reach and help others!! Thank you!!
Lysa, you are truly an inspiration!! You are proof that God uses people to reach and help others!! Thank you!!
Having 3 elementary aged girls unglued mornings are more common in my house than I like to admit. Thank you for your words. 🙂
What a great way to start the day. Thank you for sharing this great message. I started the 5 day challenge today. I can’t wait to bring it!
Thanks for the encouraging words. I found myself thinking, “wow, she, too, has felt like less than great as a mom”. I laughed at the therapist part. My friends and I “joke” about the therapy our kids will need “because of us”. Looking forward to reading more of what you have to say to encourage us moms!!
Luv this site and this great article! God bless you gals!
Wow! I wish I had read this when I was up at 2am to feed the baby. I may have had a better morning at 6:30 when getting the 5 year old ready for school. Neither of us are morning people. She usually has a crying breakdown and I am usually annoyed. Thanks for the encouragement. I can bring a better attitude.
I will be leading your bible study, “Unglued” at my church for about 12 ladies. We will start March 25th. Can’t wait. It looks like a great study. It will be nice to send my ladies to this blog so they can get to know you better.
Thanks and God Bless
I really like what you say about not labelling ourselves. How many times are we told we shouldn’t label out kids, when not once have I heard that advice for ourselves as well. Thanks!
I’ve struggled with the mama labels for at least the past four years. It has only been since July 2013 (my kid turned 18) I have decided to buckle down upon her harder. It’s a harder world and through love and discipline I’m sure she might get it. It was difficult for me too because I “rescued her” thus in reality I crippled her. I will Keep seeking your book because I’ve come “unglued” for most of the past 6 years in the mornings in particular, while with her. Hopefully, she matures somewhat this year as she is moving to adulthood.
Sue