Wow- only one week into the New Year and I already feel like I’m running to catch up! I didn’t plan to take such an extended blogging break, but I also didn’t plan to be sick for most of the last two months. The rotten cold symptoms started on Halloween and persisted through much of December. I also had an infection in each of my eyes. In short, I was a mess! My youngest daughter was also sick, although she recovered more quickly than I did. My husband had strep throat and bronchitis in December, so we were miserable together.

As you may know by now, my word for 2013 is “Focus.” Over the course of the last five months I feel as though my efforts to really pursue greater focus in my life have been completely under attack. To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m making any progress in this area. I feel more scattered and distracted than ever! Last night I was discussing my frustration with my husband. He was very encouraging and reminded me that all of us need to “refocus” every once in a while. The word “refocus” made me think about a behavior modification

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Never stop praying, parents! Pray with your children whenever you possibly can.  Pray together in the morning when your day starts, at meal times, when they have owies or hurt feelings or are worried, and before they go to bed.  Pray with them when they aren’t feeling well.  Say prayers of thanksgiving when all is well.  Have them pray.  How precious it is to hear the sincere faith-filled prayer of a little child! Most