Being a blessing to your children

In our small group on Wednesday we discussed how better equipped we are to face our days when we start them with quiet time with God.  I think we all know this to be true- but it is still hard to get out of that comfy bed.  When we start the day with God -it doesn't lead to a day full of blessings, but leads us to be blessings within each day.  With our children, especially our daughters, it is crucial that we "fill up" with God's love first thing so that we pour that love into them each day.
I am reading Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes book A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life; I'm about halfway through and am enjoying it thoroughly.

I read this excerpt to my husband last week and it has stuck with me:
"Imagine this scenario: Your child gets up in the morning and dresses in a shingled outfit of paper, much like Post-it notes.  Every time you question your daughter's worth, criticize her, maker her feel guilty, incapable, insufficient, or unattractive, a piece of paper falls to the ground.  When you see the slip of paper flutter to the floor, perhaps you realize the effect of your words and try to stick the paper back on with a positive word.  However, it won't stick.  The child goes off to school and hears more discouraging words.  Finally, at the end of the day, she comes home, exposed and insecure-- and rightly so.
Her soul stands naked."
The book goes on to explain studies show it takes 4 positive comments to cancel out the one negative remark.  As mothers we are charged to be the cheerleaders to our families- shining God's light to our children so that through us they see Him.  As soon as we stop cheering for them and showing our approval-  they look for approval from other places.
It's the in the hustle of the morning that my sharp tongue has the ability to shape my kiddos' day.  I need to fill up on God's love first thing to ensure their precious souls are coated in love as they step out of the house. If I get a "pit stop" with God first thing before I even talk to my kids in the morning- chances are much better I will be a blessing to them.
Gotta set the alarm for tomorrow.
Live loved.