Tuesday

A Celebration {Giveaway}

I'm an average mom. I yell too much and don't listen enough. I mess up. Daily.

My kids are normal too. They can be delightful one minute and talking back or writhing on the floor in a tantrum the very next.

[If you can't relate to the above confessions, you are probably above average and might want to skip this post.]

And we probably don't love each other any more than you and your kids.

But, that doesn't mean I'm not going to brag. (See first sentence about being an average mom: I can't help myself).

Because this is the happy face of a Mom who hasn't seen her kids in 10 days (or had a shower in 30+ hours):


Returning from Africa was a celebration!


We did it: my family (with the help of grandparents and friends) championed the cause without complaint and only offered me unconditional love and support while I was away. I couldn't have done it without them.


Life is full of ups and downs. The good and bad mark our journeys. But it's the celebrations we remember. Whether it's overcoming fear (my first Goodnites post) or celebrating victories, we are in this together.

Speaking of celebrations, someone will be rejoicing with a $2500 victory by winning the Bedtime Theater Writing Contest! Just submit your 275 word chapter and it could be you!


Oh, and a lucky reader, will have cause to celebrate when they win what I'm giving away TODAY:

  • 2GB Silver iPod Shuffle
  • Logitech Speakers
  • $25 iTunes Gift Card
  • Brookstone Cuddle Blanket
  • Patagonia Bag
A prize package worth approximately $175!!!!!!

To enter, please leave a comment that might help a child overcome adversity (like "have faith", "don't give up!' etc) Who knows, you might even come up with an idea for the next chapter in Iggy's Great Adventure at the Bedtime Theater.

364 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 364   Newer›   Newest»
Jennifer said...

With God all things are possible.... a favorite here.

Jenn said...

FROG!! (Fully Rely On God)

Jason and Sandi Rodriguez said...

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up and take action.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Believe in yourself! Always a winner in my family.

Denise said...

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper & not harm you, to give you a hope and a future. Jer 29:11

A promise to me during a time of great adversity.

Mombrud said...

When you remember that you are God's child, of infinite worth, and that he loves you more than your finite mind can comprehend, what other people think doesn't matter so much.

Unknown said...

Don't give up- seriously and really- DON'T!

Megan said...

We always told our child who had issues here that she wasn't alone, this is how God created her, we didn't love her any less because of it, and she would get through it.

Eventually she did.

Lana said...

Yeah! You did it!!! You are going to change the world! :)

Kate said...

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

Ivy said...

You can do this. I know it seems tough right now, but we're so proud of you for making this effort.

Angela said...

Oh man so many things I could say here.

Never ever give up. Just keep trying.

Angela Mills said...

Do the next thing :) Helps me!

Harley Mom said...

YES, YOU CAN!! I will have a good attitude no matter what!

a little bit of everything said...

Persevere - you can be anything you want to be !

Malia said...

There's only one you, so be the best you that you can possibly be!

Jessi said...

Help others. You'd be amazed at how it helps you at the same time!

theresa said...

It’s not what happens to you that matters, but how you react to it. That's what is important.

Unknown said...

When you're down to nothing, God's up to something.

Mary said...

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from swinging

Stacy Bennett said...

Let go and Let God!

Katy said...

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. --Christopher Robin to Pooh

Gretchen Magruder said...

Remember who you are.
Remember where you're going.
Remember who you belong to!

Bev said...

Don't worry! God loves you more than you love your dog!

Cheery wave from
Bev

Laurie said...

We always have a direct line to God. Unlike the phone calls to friends and family....God is never busy, He is always there, and will always answer!

Andrea said...

you "can do all things through Christ who strengthens" you!! Phillipians 4:13

A said...

There are millions of types of love in the world and millions of types of people, God made it that way because there are million different things we can love about each other and it's guaranteed we've all got at least one of those one in a million things about us.

Southern Gal said...

You can do anything through Christ.

Anonymous said...

You won't hit the ball if you don't swing the bat!

Melanie said...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Annika said...

I believe in you.

Rich Angie said...

Don't give up...give it to God!

Anonymous said...

You are awesome because YOU are YOU!!

Lori
loriche4@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Everything happens for a reason!

Anonymous said...

As my grandma always reminded me when things seemed too tough:

"THIS TOO SHALL PASS!"

Thanks for the entry.

Rachel
coupongrabber (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

Ang said...

God will never give you more than you can handle..

justanarmywife09(at)gmail(dot)com

jonahbonah said...

Do your best work!

We say a lot of encouraging things but, that one sticks out the most.

Jakemelissajakea@aol.com

Building Dave said...

Everything that everyone else has posted is great...I guess the only thing I can add is this...When my kids get frustrated, I tell them to calm down, take a deep breath...and take it one step at a time. Just do one step. Just one. When that step is done, then we'll do another. Then another, and another....And eventually- we'll get there.

Sometimes my (average) kids get overwelmed at the BIGNESS of the task they are facing. Breaking it down into small steps helps them.

(I know, cause its what I have to say to myself sometimes!!)

Kayren said...

I always seem to be telling my three oldest kids not to complain about the fears the youngest one has that they didn't, that he'll grow out of it. We can leave the house now without him having to go with us everywhere, he sleeps in his own bed and not on the floor outside his sister's room (although someone reads to him until he falls asleep)...stuff like that. But I don't freak out about it and I tell them not to and so far it's working (should I tell you he's already 10?).

Kim said...

Someone once told me..."Your failures aren't fatal!" Wow, did I need to hear that and so does my Precious.

JaimeJenn said...

Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do!

Christy said...

Jesus is the answer! He loves you more than I do!

--Amie-- said...

ALWAYS shoot for the moon,even if you miss you're still among the stars! My HS health teacher had that saying in his classroom and 13 years later it is still inspiration to me!! No matter if you dont do the best, you are still a star for trying!

Shawna Lee said...

Like my Ma-maw always said, "You're bot pretty when you're ugly!".

3 generations later andy children are hearing it from me.

Cherie Nelson said...

First - ask God for help! He is there for you and understands what you are going through.

Second - Just take it day by day, minute by minute and do the best you can!

TheDorothyFamily said...

"YOU CAN DO IT, I KNOW YOU CAN!" :)

Julie said...

Hardships in life allow us to empathize with others.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

jenlar3 said...

When tasked with 'un-fun' things, I always reminded my daughter it would be easier to finish if she did it with "a smile on her face and a song in her heart."

Christy said...

Never say never.... because anything is possible.

Melissa G. said...

There is a star in the sky for every child on Earth. When people look up at night, they don’t see the star that’s the lightest shade of blue, nor the one that twinkles a little brighter than the one next to it. They simply see Heaven. You are unique, just like every one of those stars. When I look at you, I don’t see someone who’s different-- I see a little piece of Heaven on Earth. You are special. You are a blessing.

Lori said...

Awesome giveaway! I talk to my daughter about being like a duck. Things just roll right off their backs, and I hope that she can be like that a bit too when little annoyances or issues with friends come up. :) Thanks!

The Mildner Family said...

Be a P.I.G. Perseverance, Integrity, and Guts. Kristen!

Unknown said...

God doesn't give you more than you can handle, he helps you handle what you are given. :0)

Evonne97(at)comcast(dot)net

nault's nook said...

Don't let your circumstance determine your destination! Keep going, eventually you'll get there!

Dawn said...

"They" can only make you feel bad if you LET them make you feel bad!!!

Maren said...

God never gives you more than you can handle.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Love... With God All Things Are Possible!

Lara H. said...

You might just discover you're the hero you've been searching for, find your inner hero, love yourself, and be proud to represent who YOU are!

melonbelly said...

BE the change that is so desperately needed!

www.melonbelly.blogspot.com

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

P.U.S.H.

(Pray. Until. Something. Happens.)

(I loved this post, Kristen! You are an amazing daughter of the Father, hard after the heart of Jesus....)

All, all my love,
Ann

emily said...

now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.... eph 3:20

Keana C. said...

Instead of giving up or walking away from a challenge find a way to work around it or through it. Believing in yourself makes you ten times more stronger then being a skeptic.

Heather said...

God loves you and He is ALWAYS with you!

Gigi said...

Mommy and Daddy love you NO MATTER WHAT!

Heather said...

"...rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit..."
Romans 5:3-5

Rachael said...

Trust in the Lord with All your heart...Proverbs 3:5-6

tyler_rachael at sbcglobal dot net

Jennifer@Pieces of Me said...

Keep Moving Foward!

cartersmommie@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Everyone makes mistakes and so can you!

missmlis at msn dot com

Unknown said...

"Just keep swimming..."

Corrina said...

It took a lot of failures before Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

Molly said...

Never forget that God thinks you're AMAZING!

Cathy said...

Nothings impossible with GOD!!!

Kirsten said...

You're not alone.

Jamie said...

Believe in yourself and don't give up! :)

Christina said...

With God all things are possible!!

mommieof4munchkins said...

Love yourself for who you are, not for what others want you to be.

Jane Anne said...

You are amazing. You are strong and full of love. You are loved.

Caroline said...

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - Franklin Roosevelt.

:)

ragamuffinbeauties said...

I always tell my little's that just like God loves us individually, he bestows each of us with our own gifts. No two exactly alike, because he wants us to teach others or gifts!

The Maid said...

Everything always works out in the end, and if it doesn't, it's not the end! :)

Becky

Skooks said...

When prayers go up, blessings come down.

Kristen Love said...

Take one day at a time!

Let'sMakeADifference said...

God doesn't make mistakes, now take courage in Him, and make a difference!

CJ {Pink Tea} said...

No matter what, you are loved

Little Lizard King said...

Smile!

Mari said...

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You" Psalm 56:3

Thena said...

You can do anything you put your mind to doing. Just keep at it until it's done.

Brooke said...

take note of your enemies when you are young... they are the ones you will have the privilidge to minister to when you get older!

Julie said...

There are no monsters under your bed. We do not allow monsters in this house.

Nate and Brenda said...

We always tell our children to pray for those that are teasing them or hurting them. We tell them prayer is the answer in any situation no matter what they are facing.

Angela said...

Having a good attitude will go a long way!

Thanks! abpmills@hotmail.com

Melanie Eccles said...

when I had bad dreams as a child my mom used to teach me to pray that I would think about "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy."

Anonymous said...

All things work together for good to them that love God...

melanie @ kingj@nva.choicebooks.org

Sarah said...

God knit you together in your mom's womb, and even if you can't see what's going on in the big picture right now, he's got plans for you. Something that no one else but you can do, and he will give you the strength, courage, and knowledge to get there, all you have to do is ask and he will give.

Celebrate Today said...

Find one small thing to celebrate and let your happiness build.

CharityVL said...

You can do this...this is no big deal (take a few deep breaths!)

Tonia said...

No matter what happens, choose JOY!

shana said...

"I'll be praying for you"
"Hang in there"
"I love you!"

Thanks,
Shana

Rebecca said...

Believe in your dreams and do what you love.

BTW...after reading more about your journey, I sponsored a Kenyan boy...can't wait to get my info packet on him. Thanks for inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Chin up!

"The Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" Deut. 33:27

emilyslinger at juno dot com

trooppetrie said...

JEREMIAH 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
I grew up in one of those scarry stories you hear about but the one thing my mom did, was ship me off several times a week on the church bus.
Find God, cling to God, know that he is there and helping you write a beautiful story

Tami@ourhouse said...

God made everything, and he didn't make any monsters.

Also, think on things that are true, lovely, etc. Like God's faithful kindness to us, His covenant love for His people, and the gospel of Jesus.

Shelly Wildman said...

I know you . . . and I know you can do this.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

God doesn't make mistakes!

I think kids sometimes have a tendency to think they don't belong or aren't good enough. But if they only saw themselves as the Lord sees them they might be able to break through the wall that stops them.

Hugs
Kim

Oh and I just have to tell you that I admire all that you did and cried many a times reading your posts.

Melissa R said...

Tomorrow is another day.
Try again.
I love you.

filipfamily said...

Calm down and take the next step. We love you!

debby said...

You can do anything you set your mind to!

Riddles said...

Psalm 25:21 "My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare."
and
Psalm 27:13-14 "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Mary H. Toth said...

you CAN do it! (based on Phil 4:13)

Sheila said...

Believe that God loves you.

The Halbert Home said...

If I ever tried to give up my grandma would tell me, "I can't never could" and it still encourages me today.

amanda said...

Everyone fails - the strong keep trying.

Kristy K said...

No matter what you do or where you go, I will ALWAYS love you.

Kelly said...

my mom used to always tell me as I was walking out the door "Take Jesus with you" of course back then, most of the time I just blew her off..but the more I listened and realized what she meant, the more confidence I would have.

Anonymous said...

God is always with you!

Allaman Miller Family said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dana said...

Stay positive and positive things will come.

Leigh said...

When we are weak, that is when God is strongest! HE will get you through!

Anonymous said...

Don't ever stop believing in yourself because you have the most wonderful ideas that God has given you.
We try hard to encourage even the "not so good ideas" so they can learn successes and failures and learn to pick themselves up from that.
Kristina M

Kristin said...

Every time you try, you succeed.

The Hall Family said...

I'm constantly telling my kids, "Fear not, for God is with you!" and "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight." and "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Jennifer said...

You are special are loved deeply, try your hardest and smile all the way through.

Duckygirl said...

Pray to Jesus! :O)

Unknown said...

One time our family had a flat tire. After the tire was changed we went on. About a mile up the road we came across a multi-vehicle wreck. They were the cars that we had been driving along side for a while. Since then, when something doesn't go our way we say "Thank God for flat tires!" Because you never know what God was protecting you from.

Lynn said...

"You are important because God doesn't make any junk!"

I remember this phrase from Elementary school.

Megan said...

God loves you!

Britta said...

You are never alone when you believe in the lord.

Kathy @ House of Hills said...

Godis always with you even when I can't be.

Kristen said...

If you are choosing the right, the Greater Power is behind you, backing you up.

Bethy said...

YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING. He is ALWAYS with you, not sometimes ALL THE TIME.

Sara said...

My "mantra" with my two children that are more easily discouraged is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"!

Also, I started reading at the beginning of your journey to Africa. Thank you so much for sharing that story. What an amazing, amazing journey.

melissa said...

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me."

Anonymous said...

never, ever, ever give up!

julie mullen said...

You are beautiful not because of what you look like or what you do, but because you are made in God's image.

hawkeyejlp said...

I *know* you can do this!

Anonymous said...

Pray and keep pressing on.
Celeste
cochrans8@yahoo.com

Tonya said...

Do your best in everything! We love what Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me.

I love the look on your face Kristen when you're coming through the doors....pricesless!

Anonymous said...

Mistakes are opportunities for learning.

Jane

jama@gondtc.com

Anonymous said...

Learn from your mistakes, move on, life is waiting for you!

sackmom@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

God has a plan and a purpose for your life.

Stacy
snoopy47895[at]yahoo[dot]com

acox26 said...

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't do it or achieve it. Alway try. If you don't try then you will never know if you CAN do it.

Anonymous said...

God never wastes a hurt. Ever.

julie_ruhlman (at) hotmail (dot) com

Lynn said...

God is in control.

michellenotdawn said...

PUSH
Pray Until Something Happens

The Activity Mom said...

God gave you everything you need to do great things!

Emily said...

Don't lose hope!

The Sullivan Sitcom said...

I always tell my daughter, "You don't have to be the smartest girl or the prettiest girl, but you must try your hardest to be the nicest girl!"

That's how we show God's love!

Renee said...

Believe in yourself the way God believes in you!

Katie Z said...

Don't give up - you can do it!!

Stephanie said...

You can do all things through Christ who gives you strentgh! Just give it to God, and keep trying!

Travis and Sarah Shay said...

As my 5 year old told me just last night...I am brave because I know I am not alone. Jesus is with me all the time.

Sarah Shay
sarahsshay@yahoo.com

Rachel said...

"Never give up, never surrender!"

Tell me you've seen that movie ;)

Diluted Applejuice said...

"NOTHING is impossible with God."
Or...
"No one's perfect, we all make mistakes, it's what we learn from these mistakes that is the true measure of strength!" or something similar in a simpler form...
:)

Andrea @ TheTrainToCrazy.com said...

These are all great! Truly a belief in something greater than one's self is powerful. And confidence that God does indeed love each and every one of us and cares for us individually makes a huge difference!

TheTrainToCrazy (at) gmail.com

kristin said...

Stop and smell the roses - and don't forget to laugh!

Deann said...

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little extra.

Deann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mami2jcn said...

You can do anything you want to do in life as long as you set your mind to it.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Amber D. said...

You can do it!

Shoot for the moon!


~Thanks! Amberloo22 AT aol DOT com

Kim said...

Try and try again! If you never try then you never knew if you could do it.

Anonymous said...

You are loved!
June
Kennlaff@comcast.net

Shara said...

With God, all things are possible!

Allie said...

Never say never.... because anything is possible!!

Josie said...

If you can eat those lima beans, you can do ANYTHING!

Becky said...

God never promised life would be easy, just that He would never leave us.

Amy Edwards said...

If at first you don't succeed . . . try, try again!

Created For His Glory said...

PUSH... Pray Until Something Happens

K
mom to 10 blessings

The Furman's said...

If God brings you to it he will bring you through it... if you let him!

LJFredricks said...

Gods love is bigger than the moon and can fit in the tiniest crack. He is so awesome its unbelievable. And the best part is, HE believes in YOU!
You know what, I can't in good conscience offer a "God encouragement" for a prize. I tried, but it doesn't feel right. If you draw me please try again. Love reading the others, it gave me encouragement! (That is a prize in itself!)
Love what you do, Thanks!
Lisa

The Cate Family said...

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Brandi said...

Jeremiah 29:11 all the way!!! HE does have plans for you - plans to prosper you, NOT to destroy! Trust HIM with ALL your heart!

Ginny M. said...

Believe in yourself, and do your best in all you do.

Day by Day said...

Cast all your cares upon Him:)

Shelly said...

Dory in Finding Nemo has some good advice... Just keep swimming!

Shelly

Unknown said...

Sometimes the thing you thought would never happen is the best thing that ever happened!

(Repeated to myself often during this surprise pregnancy, job loss, car trouble and all the rest the last year has sprung on me! Despite all the struggles, I am happier--more content--now than I've ever been!)

Anonymous said...

MARANATHA!

BJ, Silver Spring, MD

Kate said...

In honor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, I'm going to go with "just be yourself". Thanks for the giveaway, hope to win:)

Deanna said...

I will always love you!
I'm here for you when you need me.

dmfitzpatrick16 @ rangers.nwosu.edu

KC said...

I love you very very much, but God loves you even more. He created you to be just the way you are. Jesus is your best friend.

Mrs. McFadden said...

If God brings you to it, he will get you through it! :0)

Lisa said...

Pray, Rejoice, and Give Thanks Daily! :)

Karen said...

Believe, and you will achieve.

kahenry9@hotmail.com

Erin Humm said...

With God anything is possible.

O Mom said...

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Just because we're scared doesn't mean we can't do something!

Anonymous said...

Give it your all. If it doesn't work, know that you tried, and we love you anyway.

Sarah
sarahtonyk@gmail.com

Carrie said...

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Unknown said...

I love you and God loves you. Nothing else matters. †

Jordan and Matt said...

George Patton once said that his troops were brave for going to battle afraid, not for not being afraid.

Rhonda said...

Believe in yourself.
rgbarron01 at yahoo dot com

Mandy said...

Be the superstar you are!

Lorie said...

God hears all your prayers.

Sara said...

You can do it. See, you are doing it! Things will get easier with practice!

Carrie said...

You are never, EVER alone. Just close your eyes and you'll feel his arms around you. Always.

Anonymous said...

"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!"

Or my recent favorite for myself:

"Don't quit before the miracle!"

~LEW

Jesica said...

Always try your very best, and if your best wasn't quite good enough, never forget you are loved ; and the One who loves you most, is never disappointed by your effort or in who you are.

Jesica said...

Always try your very best, and if your best wasn't quite good enough, never forget you are loved ; and the One who loves you most, is never disappointed by your effort or in who you are.

Karen said...

Our favorite around here: if you have Jesus in your heart, you have a Superhero to help you! No need to fear the dark at night. But if you're still afraid, flip your pillow to the happy dream side. :)

Sarah said...

I remember when my oldest started to be afraid of the dark. We told her that if God was in her heart, he was always with her. She could pray, and he would help her. It really helped her!

Unknown said...

There once was a fine southern lady
Who thought it was time to leave her babies
To see a new land
and give a helping hand
to those who were in great need.
This lady was touched by all that she saw
and knew she couldnt do nothing at all
so she went to the keyboard
to spread the one true Word
about all we could do to help.
With the fire in her heart
she made others start
to give some of their own precious time.
All because one woman, one sister in Christ, one mother, one friend set out on a new adventure.
To all the children, sisters, mothers, brothers, mothers, and fathers and everyone in between remember that no prayer falls on deaf ears and that to someone you are special and important even to people who you have never met.

Jingle said...

Be who you are no matter who that is! I promise...that is who you are best at being!

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