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When I became a mom, I had no idea what was ahead. I consider this God’s grace for all of us, right? What I did know is that I wanted to be a mom who was involved in my children’s lives. Not the hovering “back-stage” mom, but the one who was always there to talk about the real and often hard issues of life.
I also had a mission: To break the myth that children do not like their parents in middle and high school.
Growing up, I loved my parents. I might not have told them e-v-e-r-y-thing, . . . but I certainly did not have a distant relationship with them. When Daley, our first born, was entering 4th grade, my mission started. She was growing up too fast and struggling between the “I-don’t-want-to-be-a-little-girl” anymore and the “being-a-big-girl” seems a little scary routine.
This is when God planted the seed of ThouArtExalted ~ Creating Art Through God’s Word Ministries. I wanted to develop a creative Bible study for girls who were too old for the VBS style of learning and too young for the heavier issues of high school. The mom in me wanted to protect these precious years and instill in my daughter and her friends a desire to know God and pursue a passionate relationship with Him.
Every mom has this desire.
And every mom knows that there is power in friendships. God convicted my heart the importance of instilling a like-minded passion for who Jesus is with Daley’s group of friends. Thus began our first “Art Camp” at my house with 20 girls. We cleared out the living room furniture, studied God’s Word, and created very cool art! That was nine years ago.
In two weeks, Daley will officially be considered a senior in high school. (Ok. My eyes are getting teary.) She is an amazing student, athlete, friend, and daughter. But most importantly, she loves Jesus. And guess what? Her friends have a deep and personal relationship with Him, too. I have seen them grow up. I have seen the struggles in the valleys and the joy of the mountain peaks. I have been called “Momma P,” and I truly love these girls. And, I know they love me.
My mission is no way near complete as I have three more missions behind Daley with two boys to boot! My mission is still the same.
- Break the theory.
- Instill Jesus.
- Build fellowship with their friends.
ThouArtExalted has continued to grow in different areas of ministry, but my passion is all the same—Igniting passion for Jesus and creativity.
Are you a mom like me? Do you want to show your children how cool Jesus is and can be in middle school and high school? Do you want to show them God’s truth and how special they are to Him? Do you want to break the myth that your kids won’t like you? (NOTE: I am not saying you are trying to be their best friend. That would be terrible advice!) I am saying stay close to your kids. Talk with them. Listen to their music. Be relatable. Meet them where they are. Be authentic. Speak the truth in love. And connect them to Christ.
If you want a deeper relationship with your daughter or son, and need some help, I have attached some questions that you can take on a special date taken from TAE’s Journal with Me.
This Mother’s Day, celebrate your kids! Love on them and let them love on you.
I can’t wait to hear how your time is . . . please let me know!
Mission Accomplished.
Amen.
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I so thank the Lord for running across your blog! I have really been leaning into the Lord, and it has opened the opportunity to grow closer to my daughter. She’s on the cusp of many changes, and I got her a basket full of girl goodies as a “welcome to womanhood” gift. During our time of sharing and question asking, she told me she heard on the radio about parents sharing a journal with their children and putting it under each other’s pillows to respond to one another. I had no idea this was a thing! I was excited to see one for Christian families. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!
I am so thankful that I found your blog! I recently lost my husband and my adorable son lost his father. I had been praying for just a new way of normal for this new journey together. I will implement this journal sharing right now! Thank you so very much for this. What an awesome blessing!!