"I mean what I say." I say this multiple times a day to Grant. I try to be clear with expectations and have a consequence I can actually follow through on. The kid doesn't miss a beat. In the past I'd tell him things like, "If you come out of your room, I'm taking your blanket." Now, this was a threat I hoped would be big enough to keep him his room at bedtime, but not one I wanted to follow though on...I really didn't want to take his blanket. But. If he left his room and I didn't take his blanket he knew my consequences were threats, not realities.
I've since then changed my tune, I have to "mean what I say," and you know what, he knows it. It's far from perfect, just like the rest of us, but it's definitely improved his behavior. I also mean what I say when I tell him I love him, I'm proud of him, and when I encourage him when he's working hard at something. I have to be someone Grant can trust and depend on.
God also "means what he says." Hebrews 4:12 in the Message translation says just that. "God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting thought everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no mater what."
God is the same now as he has been and will be for all eternity. We can trust in Him and depend on him. He's shown His great love for us by sending His only son, Jesus, to die for our sake. God means what he says.
I've since then changed my tune, I have to "mean what I say," and you know what, he knows it. It's far from perfect, just like the rest of us, but it's definitely improved his behavior. I also mean what I say when I tell him I love him, I'm proud of him, and when I encourage him when he's working hard at something. I have to be someone Grant can trust and depend on.
God also "means what he says." Hebrews 4:12 in the Message translation says just that. "God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting thought everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it-no mater what."
God is the same now as he has been and will be for all eternity. We can trust in Him and depend on him. He's shown His great love for us by sending His only son, Jesus, to die for our sake. God means what he says.
As for my outfit, I was pretty happy to pick up this vest at Old Navy. I missed out on the J.Crew version and never could have justified the price anyway. I thought it would be fun to pair it with my extremely versatile sweater I scored from thredUP (use link for $10 off) and this Loft skirt I thrifted a few years back. I feel like the pearls and flats really add a great finishing touch too.
Vest: Old Navy same
Sweater: Ann Taylor via thredUP (use link for $10 off)
Skirt: Loft similar
Necklace: Target similar
flats: Aerosoles same
Linking up with:
I'm so sad I missed this vest! I love how you styled it- so nautical! :)
ReplyDeleteWe are trying to teach Claire the same thing. So far this means lots of temper tantrums, but I think once she starts to understand consequences more it is going to lead to a much better behaved child! Love that vest and sweater together! Great pairing!
ReplyDeleteIn our society where anything goes, we need to be reminded that God means what He says. Thank you for this message. I love your vest and wish I would have picked that up when I had a chance! I did get the buffalo plaid version thanks to you(: Susan
ReplyDeleteLove this look! The stripes and leopard are such a cool touch!!
ReplyDeleteoXo
Jenn
When I saw this look on IG this morning, I immediately thought "I can do that!" I love how simple and polished this look is.
ReplyDeleteSo jealous that you still get to wear pretty skirts without tights! Love the bright pop of red in this outfit. I'm so glad that God never changes and that we can always and completely trust in Him. ~Cynthia
ReplyDeletenice..i love the combo stripes red
ReplyDeletekisses
Really do love your blog girl.. so happy to have found it! You look stunning, as always! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteThat's a great vest and I love your cute flats!! Love the message of God meaning what he says:)
ReplyDeleteMarta
www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
The nautical vest looks great with the red. I love the whole look!
ReplyDeleteI need to be more like you and follow through with what I say. Sometimes I am just so tired and don't feel like battling...ya know? But it is only hurting me and them by doing so. I am really going to try and get better! Thanks for the reminder. And your outfit is so fun. Loving the nautical feel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute look! I'll have to remember this when I am planning out an outfit for my striped vest!
ReplyDelete"I mean what I say" is definitely something we've been focusing on in my first grade classroom too. It's been tough, but we are working on it. Love the vest!
ReplyDeleteWhat an insightful post. It more and more makes me set in my thinking that I have to follow the same rules with Vivian, especially as she starts understanding more and more every day. I don't want her to think I am lying to her.
ReplyDeleteBetween the striped vest that I adore, cheetah ballet flats, the pearls, crystal bracelets and the red skirt, this outfit is so far your best in 2015, my friend!