Today I ponder some Bible verses.  Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Oh how I wish my stepmom (and wife, mommy, daughter, sister, friend, employee) brain was always solely focused on such.  This is definitely a goal for me.  But if I’m really honest, this is not where I’m at some of the time. Sometimes I’m more focused on what is dark, something I can complain about or something that’s on my last nerve!

Then I think about Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”   Oh the missed opportunities to build people up.

And in Romans 7:19 (NIV) Paul admitted bravely “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”  We are saved by grace yet we continue to live with sinful natures in a sinful world.  And as a stepmom, most of us would probably agree that life and family matters are more complex and stressful that we ever anticipated.  And in the midst of that stress, I will admit I don’t always say and do the Perfect Stepmom Thing.  Oh how I wish I was perfect.  But, I’m far from it.  There are times I can focus too much on my missteps as a stepmom.  Probably not a great place to focus.  Probably more effective to make Phil. 4:8 and Eph. 4:29 my mantras….or tattoo them on my forehead!

Today I am thankful for these wonderful guides and I probably won’t go get a tattoo (as much as I’d love to) but I might just write these down and tape them to my mirror!

What are you thankful for today?