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About Me

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Janine Claire Robinson
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Welcome to my little writing corner. I count my many blessings to be a cherished wife and an ever-learning-loving-growing mother to 3 amazing children this side of Heaven and a precious little boy in Heaven. Together as a family we pastor a precious church community called Redeeming Hope Church. I've had the privilege of loving and following Jesus Christ since my earliest memories as a child. No matter what I've gone through in life, He has always been so present. At heart, I'm an encourager ... so this is a place where I get to wear my heart on my sleeve and share my journey of learning to live a life of love in action.

Strong Words

I so wish that I could paint the picture of myself as a perfectly controlled - always does the right thing and always knows the best answer or solution kind of mommy, but I am a work in progress =o) I have often said that parenting has been my greatest learning place about myself! Gosh ... sometimes I am so surprised at what kind of attitudes come out of me! Anyone else know what I am talking about? It is that inner war that Paul talks about in  ..... where your flesh wars against your spirit. You know the right response, but instead you react. This is something that the Lord and I are really working on. This weekend has encountered a couple of "strong words" between my girls and I. You know those moments when you have been pushed just a little too far?! And instead of healthy "strong words" ... anger seeps into correction and no one wins. While I have been working through this, the Lord reminded me of something He taught my hubby a while ago.

When the kids are all whiny and in an "I'm telling on" frame of mind we look at the kids and say "aaaahhhh ... weak words" ... but when we catch them encouraging or loving each other we make the hugest muscles and shout out "STRONG WORDS!!!".

It's such a good one for hubby and I too. I am so mindful that even as we correct and discipline our children we need to use loving "strong words". Words that build up and not criticize. Words that correct but also accept. Shew. I am learning lots of lessons but I wouldn't have it any other way. What a privilege that not only are my children learning from me, but I am learning loads through them. They are making me grow and develop Godly character. Now that's love in action don't you think. Practicing love in the nitty gritty moments of everyday life.

BIG hugs to you today xxx
Janine

Comments

Jill said…
so true...I think God has used my children to teach me more than anything...and goodness I am such a "work-in-progress"!
praying for you and your sweet family during this difficult time...
Many Blessings!
Jill
EJN said…
Janine,
I love your Christmas look for the blog.
My daughter has been the singularly most effective tool of God revealing my sinful and selfish attitudes. It does bring grief but it is beautiful how God has made us to want to do better for our children and my sin in her drops me to my knees like nothing else.
The walk is one of progress not perfection. Some days it feels like twos steps forward and one step back.
Have a wonderful and blessed day,
Jo
LouLou said…
Being a mama is the HARDEST job in the world, because it NEVER ends...not for 5 minutes a day. I find myself getting so anxious and stressed over my girls somedays... I hear myself fussing and complaining.. I TRY to remind myself daily what a blessing my girls are.... how BADLY we wanted them home and that God trusted us to be their parents. They need direction and love at all times. That's not always the easiest to do when I'd rather scream sometimes, but I try. Everyday I just TRY.
Love to you, Janine.
Adeye said…
Oh my friend--a big work in pregress right there with you. How wonderful it is to know that us moms are never alone as we journey this crazy road.

I LOVE you.
What a great way to encourage and be positive! Love this idea!
Beautiful post and so true. We are ALL still a work in progress. I always think of the song, "God's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me!"
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Annie said…
Oh gosh, Janine!!! You sound just like me! This is something I pray about every day!!! Sometimes it can be so hard but I know that after we have had a really good day with "strong" words (from me), I feel SO much better about the day and so much closer to my kids and the Lord!
THANK YOU for all your encouraging words!!! My heart is so encouraged. Yes indeed ... we are all a work in progress. Thank goodness God is so patient and faithful with each of us and that His mercies are new every morning.
WordGirl said…
I love your delineation between weak words and strong words. I may have to implement that here in our home!

I think I learn far more from my girls than they learn from me. I learn about how to love, how to be who God made me to be and much, much more. Not long ago, my ten year old asked me if I ever wished I hadn't had children, so it would be just my husband and I. I can't imagine my life without my daughters and I can't imagine who I would be. God is using them to shape and form me to His image.
Great post Janine! Encouragement is so important... even when there has to be correction!
Anonymous said…
I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.

God Bless You :-)

~Ron
Anonymous said…
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You not going to believe this but I have lost all day searching for some articles about this. I wish I knew of this site earlier, it was a fantastic read and really helped me out. Have a good one.

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