What kind of mother am I?????

When you first decided to clear a path, there was probably this little mantra going on inside of your head..."You're filthy, neglectful, disgusting".  You tell that little voice to shut up.
Today, we're going to talk about progress (not perfection)
The voice of progress says "Way to go!!  You got all seven children brushed and bedded down last night"
The voice of perfection says "I can't believe it's taken you seven years to get your kids feet washed every night!"
Listen, women, this  mommy guilt has GOT TO GO!!!
It's not productive, it isn't healthy, but most of all IT ISN'T FAIR.
Here's a little secret I want to share with you, and don't you ever forget it...Guilt is just part of motherhood.  That's right.  Even if you were June Cleaver, you'd still be plagued with thoughts like "Joey's mother brought apricot bars to the open house...and I only brought brownies"
Okay, how stupid does that sound?  Would any domestic diva really believe that brownies are sub-standard to apricot bars?
Sure do.  Brought to you courtesy of "the accusser of the brethren" slew-foot himself.  This is the same turkey who uses reasoning like "Your left hand looks different than your right hand. Ha!"
The truth is, even if you did have it all together, that voice, and those guilty feelings would still be there because...
CONDEMNATION is different than CONVICTION
Conviction is just a buzz word that Christians use to describe that still small voice, called your conscience.
Your conscience already knows that it's not suppossed to be this way.
But the truth is, if you have Jesus living in your heart, He will come along side of your convicted conscience and encourage you.
Now, just like Jesus wants to encourage you, there is someone who wants to DIScourage you (hmmm, guess who that is).
God motivates, but the enemy alienates.  That's right, God wants to restore us to himself, and heal us in every way.  He's not mad at us.  He is overflowing with compassion and mercy.  And He knows we try.
Satan wants to alienate you. In other words, he wants you to stay far away from God, and from facing up to the truth.
Don't be afraid to face this thing head on.  You're a great mom.  You're just different.  And I just know that you are a wonderful person.
God's not mad at you.  He's crazy about you.  And he is NEVER going to give up on you. 1 Chronicles 28:20

 ²⁰And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. (1 Chronicles 28:20, King James Version)