Snapshots of the Heart ~ Self-control

We have a Woody doll from "Toy Story".  He has the black and white cowboy vest and the brown cowboy boots just like in the movie.  He also has the little pull string on his back.  Pull the little white ring and Woody says ...

"My name's Woody."

"There's a snake in my boot."

"You're my favorite deputy."

"Yee-haw, Cowboy!"

"Howdy, Pardner!"

Sometimes I think I have a little white ring my kids pull.  Especially when it comes to those challenging lessons of self-control ...

"Please take your thumb out of your mouth."

"Time to turn off the Wii."

"Please stop doing handstands while we read."

"Please don't scream at Mommy."

Unfortunately, I know that I do the same thing to God.  Day after day, I wrestle with my own issues of self-control and day after day God speaks to my heart ...

"Trust Me."

"Be still."

"Stop and pray."

"Seek Me."

Thanks, God, for not being worn out with my string pulling.  And help me to be calm and consistent with my kids, too.

"Father, help my children not to be like 

many others around them, but let them 

be alert and self-controlled in all they do."  

I Thessalonians 5:6