Melissa Michaels
About the Author

Melissa Michaels is the NY Times Bestselling author of Love The Home You Have and The Inspired Room book. Her blog, The Inspired Room, was voted Better Homes & Gardens Readers' Favorite decorating blog in 2014 and 2015. Melissa is a church planter's wife and a mom to three human kids and...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Inspiring post.

    My daughter is only 9 months old, but already I am so aware of how I speak and interact with her is shaping her and moulding her for the future. It makes motherhood so much more challenging when I look at it that way! (Like it needed another challenge!!) Every single step is a joy though, I love it.

    Thanks for posting.

  2. our children range from teens to toddlers…five in all. some days this presents a challenge. but i am often struck with how the basics always seem to apply. and really it is about taking time — not always easy with five of them. but it is in my parenting that i’ve seen God’s tremendous grace. the way He multiplies me. multiplies my time. the way He stretches out over our family. enough. He is more than enough…especially when mom can’t be.

  3. So long ago, I worried that I’d totally goof my kids up with my parenting….now that they are college & HS I see that God had plans for each of them and HE used me to get them there. One of the greatest investments we’ve made was a foundation in Christ. While all three could choose any road to walk–they pick Jesus for themselves. I’m forever grateful that God allowed me to be a small part in their lives.
    YOUNG MAMA’S: Time really does fly. Enjoy every exhausting moment. 😉

  4. Whew! My littles are still so small and I do pray that I’m instilling character. One of the ways I try to do this is in little ways every day: nature, meals, hurt feelings, joyful moments…we invite and incorporate God into each part of our life. As a single mama, I know that my little ones will experience pain, inconsistencies and questions – I cannot provide the ‘perfect’ childhood experience for them. BUT, I’m learning to see this as a gift wherein their dependence is not on me or things or perfection, but is knowing God has a plan and purpose regardless of circumstances.

    I see the fruit of diligent training already and pray this continues. The most challenging aspect is being an example myself!

    • Hi Missy June, yes, that diligent training sometimes seems slow going, doesn’t it?! We definitely can’t always provide the “perfect” childhood experience (whatever that is supposed to look like!) but we can trust the One who can work with our messy imperfection and bring about amazing things in His time. Much love to you today!!

  5. Thank you so much for a well written and beautiful blog. I needed to hear this today. Thank you. I am a 37 year old mom to two boys, almost 2 and 4 years old. Sometimes I feel like such a failure, but I know that I am doing some of what you offered to do with your children. Thank you for many more ideas. What a blessing you have and I hope God adds more to it for you. In Christ- Dionne

  6. Thanks for this. I’ve been recently praying/been concerned about this topic, especially as we are now having to pick out primary schools for our 3 y.o. daughter (we also have a 1 y.o. boy).

    I look back over the past 3 years and think I haven’t done all that I wanted to have done with my daughter.

    I’m sure the tips on praying for and with them will fo a long way. His bless you for this post.

  7. I am pregnant with our first child, due in May. I love this list here and will print it out and stick it somewhere to reference as my child grows and matures. Character building is SO important but can feel overwhelming for soon to be moms. Thank you!

  8. Melissa,

    I *forgot* your daughters were this old but seeing them–oh, my! They’re beautiful but I still can’t believe you’re old enough to have ’em! You GO girl!

    This post is lovely and wise and a wonderful encouragement to moms of ANY age. You’ve encapsulated much of our philosophy in parenting; in fact, there’s not a thing I’d dispute :). So glad the Lord prompted you to write it.

  9. I needed this today; I have been searching for answers over the past few days with my kids, ages ten and eight. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!

  10. That was very well written. I needed to hear those words today. God was speaking through you! I’m behind on blog reading and if I would have read this the day it was posted, it wouldn’t have hit home the way it did. But because I am reading posts of the past- it came at a perfect time. Thank you for letting God use you. He is good.