tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58563793820376601422024-03-13T21:21:27.324-07:00Mommy's AnswersThis is a place for moms who are looking for advice, tips, and a unique perspective on life. I want to share my experiences with others as I navigate this thing called motherhood. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-82906441290142566832014-12-19T12:25:00.000-08:002014-12-19T12:25:29.499-08:00The Countdown<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I write this, Christmas is just six days away. My shopping is practically done, I haven't started wrapping anything yet, and I never got the Christmas cards done. Looks like friends and family might get a New Year's greeting from us this year! Even though it might all sound crazy, I'm not complaining or worried. And no, I'm not on any medication. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm trying to calm things down so I can actually enjoy this Christmas with my family, and it's been fairly successful so far. We've chosen to make our girls' focus Christ this year which means we're cutting back on the number of gifts under the tree and talking more about why we celebrate. Besides the financial benefits our decision offers, it's also taken some pressure off of Charles and I. I got confirmation that it was working when Emily included a message in her family prayer about us all remembering the reason we celebrate - not presents, but Jesus. It was such a great moment! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you don't think that I'm sitting over here calm as a cucumber with no concerns or stresses. This holiday season has been just as stressful as others. I decided to make all the teacher and friend gifts this year to save us some money. Over the last few weeks I've made 18 pints of apple butter and more cookies than I care to look at ever again. I've also supervised homemade gifts for grandparents and other family members and released my latest book, in case I didn't have enough to do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got my idea for cutting back from another blog, Momastery, written by Glennis Melton. Each year she finishes all of her Christmas shopping by December 1 so that her family can spend the month enjoying each other and celebrating the holiday. Since I didn't read her blog post until December, my shopping wasn't even started, but I loved the way they do presents in her family. Each kid gets four things: One you want, one the world needs, one you wear, and one you read. I modified this for our family and changed "one the world needs" to "one you need." In the future we might change it, but this works better for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made up papers for the girls to give me ideas, and boy has it simplified things! We still do Santa, so we didn't get away with only four gifts, but we've limited the Santa gifts already, and we won't be inundated on Christmas morning. I feel good that the girls will end up with things they truly want and need. And I get to enjoy my holiday with the family! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-60015621496458954042014-12-10T18:13:00.003-08:002014-12-10T18:13:46.989-08:00An Early Christmas Gift for My Readers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post won't be long or involved. It's just a quick reminder that all three of my books in Kindle format are free on December 11 and 12. If you would like to have any or all of these titles, now is the time to pick them up - you can't beat the price! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give yourself and your family an early Christmas present that won't break the budget! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the links to the books:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman: Learning to Lose the Intimidation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Proverbs-31-Woman-Intimidation-ebook/dp/B00QSGIK66/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418263903&sr=1-1&keywords=becoming+a+proverbs+31+woman">http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Proverbs-31-Woman-Intimidation-ebook/dp/B00QSGIK66/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418263903&sr=1-1&keywords=becoming+a+proverbs+31+woman </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm Looking for God Today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Looking-God-Today-Glimpses-Book-ebook/dp/B00BSZJENU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418263778&sr=8-1&keywords=I%27m+looking+for+god+today">http://www.amazon.com/Looking-God-Today-Glimpses-Book-ebook/dp/B00BSZJENU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418263778&sr=8-1&keywords=I%27m+looking+for+god+today </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daddy, What Does Faith Look Like?</span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daddy-What-Does-Faith-Glimpses-ebook/dp/B00BSGL4LO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418263611&sr=8-1&keywords=daddy%2C+what+does+faith+look+like"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Daddy-What-Does-Faith-Glimpses-ebook/dp/B00BSGL4LO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418263611&sr=8-1&keywords=daddy%2C+what+does+faith+look+like</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-24211833335845984342014-12-06T20:40:00.001-08:002014-12-06T20:40:41.358-08:00Finally, A Post!<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I need to apologize to those of you who read my blog posts because I haven't posted in so long. I have been productive with my time, but obviously I haven't been blogging. I am excited to tell you that my third book is done and published as of December 6! <i>Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman: Learning to Lose the Intimidation"</i> is my first ladies' Bible study book, and I'm quite proud of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wrote this study between 2011 and 2012, and it's taken me this long to get it ready for publication. Writing a weekly study for your ladies group is much easier than adapting that study for mass publication. I had to spend time beefing up each lesson since I won't be sitting with each person as they go through the book. Then the editing process began which always takes longer when it's your own. I love editing other peoples' work, but I dread looking at my own. That step took longer than it should have, but I can only look at my own words so much before they all blend together into alphabet soup! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you've been looking for a good, meaty Bible study to do on your own or with your group, I highly recommend this book. Each of the women involved in the initial study with me got a lot out of it and noted positive changes in their lives. I decided to study the Proverbs 31 Woman and the characteristics that make her special as well as the things that make her intimidating to women everywhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The book delves into several aspects of her character: her fear of the Lord, self-control, virtue, kindness, compassion, sense of responsibility, resourcefulness, willingness to work hard, high energy level, wisdom, and love. Throughout the study, readers get to explore each of the characteristics from a Biblical perspective and learn how to attain them in their lives. I use several scriptures in each chapter to give a clear picture of God's ideas about each concept. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My goal with this book is to make you look at the Proverbs 31 Woman a little differently - not as an unattainable standard, but as a woman living her life for the Lord - and learn how to become a woman who fears the Lord today. I hope you'll pick up a copy for yourself and one for a friend this Christmas! </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Proverbs-31-Woman-Intimidation/dp/1500614815/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417927173&sr=1-3&keywords=becoming+a+proverbs+31+woman"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Proverbs-31-Woman-Intimidation/dp/1500614815/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417927173&sr=1-3&keywords=becoming+a+proverbs+31+woman</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-3278248736559961042014-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:002014-08-25T08:36:39.647-07:00When Life Closes In<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As it stands right now, my Proverbs 31 Woman book is (finally) ready to go once it has cover art. It's been a long time coming and I'm really excited to get it done and published! My next project will be editing and preparing my James Bible study for a similar treatment. My third children's book is with the illustrator now, and we hope to have it completed by Christmas. It sometimes feels like everything happens at once, which is pretty overwhelming. But, once they are all published, I'll have to seriously buckle down and get some more writing done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you ever feel like everything that needs your attention happens all at the same time or not at all? Nothing is ever spaced out easily, at least not in my world. I often feel like I'm running around erratically, never accomplishing anything, even though things are getting done. But, when the list is so long and the time is so short, it's easy to let the panic and stress take over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, what do we do when life just closes in around us? Most of us respond in one of a few ways: some run through their list until they break down, some try to do pieces of each thing that needs doing without forgetting anything important, some thrive on the hectic lifestyle and dive right in, and others play the "ignore it and maybe it will go away" game. I can't say that any of these are a particularly healthy approach, but let's face it, most of us can identify with at least one of these strategies. I, personally, try to complete pieces of each task and pray I don't forget the important stuff. I don't recommend this strategy, though, because I inevitably forget something. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm trying to get better at handling the messes of managing a family, writing and editing books, leading and preparing Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, and whatever else jumps on my plate by handling one thing at a time. I have a list, and I try to work my way down the list. Sometimes things jump to the top of the list by necessity, but I'm trying to roll with the punches. I'm not going to claim to be an expert, but I sure do get a lot more done when I stop panicking and start productively working!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we all get back into the groove of school with the kids, I want to challenge you to think about your coping mechanisms. If you're like me and find yourself stuck with a destructive habit, try to change it. Make your list, utilize your calendar, send yourself text reminders; do whatever you need to do in order to reclaim a little bit of sanity! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-91458089281604504492014-06-02T17:25:00.003-07:002014-06-02T17:26:37.354-07:00Blessings in Inspiration<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of exhibiting my books at a local author's festival in our community this past weekend. Authors were given a table and allowed to sell books, interact with readers, and give micro-readings. It was a wonderful day and I made some new customers and have several visitors to my table. I felt like I was in my element at the festival, surrounded by people who are as passionate about writing as I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was one of the few (and maybe the only) authors there with Christian books and people noticed. Some would skirt my table quickly after reading my titles, but others took a double take and came back to look harder. Some of those "second-lookers" came back to buy books from me later in the day. Many people were happy to see Christian children's books that deal with real issues that kids ask about like faith and God's presence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All those juices generated at the festival continued on today when I FINALLY got the idea for my next book! I was in the shower, one of my favorite creative spaces, when an idea finally gelled and I started formulating how to put the story together. I spent the afternoon drafting out my story and I'll give it a few days to sit before picking it up for revisions. It has been months since a good children's story has come to me, but I'm learning that this is normal for me. The Lord gives me the inspiration when it's time, not before, so I can sit down and hammer out something when I'm not feeling it, but most days it will be something that hits the trash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, you might be wondering why I shared my little anecdote with you. Partly because you, my blogosphere friends, should know that I'll have another book for you and your kids within the year! I've also learned something that applies to more than my writing career that you might find helpful as well. I've taken a break from my children's book writing for almost a year because my well ran dry. I sat down with trusty notebook and pen several times, only to come away empty handed and frustrated. So I put it down and decided to let God drive the bus. He's never steered me wrong in the past - I knew that when it was time for Book 3 he would let me know. And he did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we remember to let God drive, our path becomes very clear and less worrisome. I won't lie and tell you my life is worry-free because I'm too much of a worrier to let that happen consistently. However, I'm getting better at handing my writing business over to God for his glory and he's coming through. I hope that you'll give your life and your passions and talents to him, too, so you can see how faithful he can be in your life! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-20584617557706879412014-05-12T10:38:00.000-07:002014-05-12T10:42:41.735-07:00A Special Message for Moms<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yesterday was Mother's Day, a day set aside to honor moms for all that they do. My family of five had a wonderful day together, beginning with a delicious, healthy breakfast prepared for me by my oldest, followed by church and some great quality time and dinner out. I can't tell you how many times the girls told me, "Happy Mother's Day" throughout the day. It was a beautiful, memorable day. I say all of this to tell you that not every Mother's Day has been this way. I remember when the girls were all younger that Mother's Day felt like Monster's Day - they seemed to turn into crazy little monsters who wanted to drive me insane more than anything else. They were not fun days, and I often looked forward to Monday just so their behavior would return to normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking back on these days after a success like this year, I have to wonder what made those times different. I think it has to do with maturity. As toddlers, especially, children don't think past themselves and their immediate comfort. They're not interested in a day set aside for Mommy, especially if she gets presents and they don't. They don't want to go somewhere other than McDonald's or Taco Bell to eat; after all, they're most important, right? When they started preschool some of the attitudes started to change, probably because the preschool made a big deal of Mother's Day with a tea and gifts each year. The girls finally started to realize that it was a day to make Mommy feel special, not a day to torment her and make her regret becoming a mom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think we're often this way with God. How often do we remember to thank him for all he's done in our lives? We make sure to blame him when things aren't going well, but we forget to give him credit when things go right. We have a day set aside for God every week, but do we take advantage of it to thank him for what we have and worship him at church? Too many of us choose not to; Sunday has become a yard work or sports day with God rarely even making our list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If we feel neglected when our children behave badly on Mother's Day, or even worse, forget us on Mother's Day, how do you think God feels when we forget him? He loves us as children, which all of us moms can understand. Why do we think we can hurt him any less than our children can hurt us? As we raise our children to respect us as their parents and treat us special on our days, we should raise them to treat God the same way, especially on his special day each week. </span><br />
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" 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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-87330095200655116562014-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:002014-04-29T12:45:03.908-07:00Re-engage the brain (for a little bit longer!)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Has anyone noticed that their kids' brains have turned off since coming off Spring Break? Isn't it supposed to be a time to recharge the batteries before wading back into the school routine? The answer is yes, but Spring Break has the opposite effect in my home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The girls and I spent a fantastic 12 days in New Mexico with my parents over our break, which was so nice. We relaxed, the girls played, and we did tons of fun stuff. But now we're home slogging through the same-old routine and brains are disengaging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While the idea of a recharge is nice, I almost wish we could just skip it and get out of school a week earlier. The girls wouldn't get used to sleeping in and playing all the time, and I wouldn't have to be the warden every single morning, reminding them to brush teeth and comb hair (because we <i>never </i>do those things). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My zeal for school work has also diminished and I have to force myself to care about what's coming home. Heaven help us if someone brings home a project! This is the time of year when Mom helps the kids find the shortest book in the library to write a book report on or homework is completed in the backseat on the way to ________ (fill in the blank). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My kids are involved in one sport (all together!) that runs year round, so our sports routine is constant. But many kids pick up baseball, soccer, or lacrosse this time of year, and schedules get even crazier! I've known many moms who pack dinner into the car and eat on the way to one practice or another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So how do we re-engage our brains and get through the rest of the year, ladies? Here's what helps me - when I remember to do it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1. Write it down</b> - If you have something coming up write it down on the calendar. I keep a desk calendar hanging over my desk so I can see what's going on each week. This requires actually keeping up with it and adding things as you find out about them. This time of year it's hard to remember to get everything on there, but boy do I pay when I forget! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2. Say "no" if you need to</b> - You can't do everything; sometimes you need to say no and let someone else pick up the baton and run. It's hard, I know, but you know when you're getting to your breaking point. The last thing you need in the middle of all the crazy end-of- school-year hustle is a breakdown! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>3. Pray!</b> - It may seem oversimplified, but prayer can be the difference between a harried, crazy mom and a calm, centered mom. Yes, our schedules are busy right now, but the Lord knows what each one of us needs to get through all the craziness, and he's able to bless us and our families through it. When things start to feel overwhelming I make myself spend some time in prayer, then I start prioritizing my list. It's amazing how much clearer everything looks after I've taken that time to connect with the Creator. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-36137436939165559552014-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:002014-03-19T11:29:40.043-07:00Combating the "If only's" and "Never enough's"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just read a very interesting book for a freelance assignment. It's called <span id="docs-internal-guid-04f68ff9-db84-a008-dce4-ba38050a96f4" style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> by Brené Brown. She explores the United States' culture of "never enough," which I found fascinating. She hypothesizes that people in this country are suffering from a culture of scarcity, which is a culture "never enough." No one ever has enough of anything: never enough time, never enough sleep, never enough money, never enough power, and the list goes on forever. We just never have enough, period. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The idea resonated with me because I catch myself trapped in the same cycle. I wake up tired and think "I didn't get enough sleep" instead of thanking the Lord for the sleep I was able to get. Many of my "never enough's" creep into my thinking as "if only's." I think to myself, "If only I made more money I could..." or "If our house was bigger I would..." Again, the list can go on forever, but the idea at the heart of it is the same. Nothing I have is enough. Why is that? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I think if I look deeply it's because at times I lack faith and gratitude. When I forget that God provides me with everything I could possibly need, and then some, these feelings of not enough like to creep in. When I remember that he's the fount of every blessing, I don't struggle with these thoughts as much. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Isn't it interesting what that loss of focus does to us? It's such a simple thing, too. We think it's harmless to dream about bigger houses or better cars, and it can be. But, when our heart is coming from a place of jealousy, envy, or discontent, those simple wishes become destructive. They can eat away at our peace of mind, cause dissension in our marriages, and make us short with our children. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One passage helps me regain focus when my mind wanders into "never enough" and "if only" land. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It's Matthew 6:31-34: <i>"</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span class="versetext" id="mt6-31" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' </span></span><span class="versetext" id="mt6-32" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. </span></span><span class="versetext" id="mt6-33" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">But seek first his kingdom<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="33"></a> and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. </span></span></i><span class="versetext" id="mt6-34" style="display: inline;"><i><span class="WordsOfChrist">Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." </span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="versetext" id="mt6-34" style="display: inline;"><span class="WordsOfChrist">These verses have helped me through many a rough day, especially when I'm caught up in the "never enough" mentality. If we can simply remember that God provides all of our needs, we really don't need to worry so much about keeping up with others. He has never let me fall, and I have to trust that he is providing for my family's needs in all things. </span><i><span class="WordsOfChrist"> </span></i>
</span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-74291662175963451212014-01-16T12:39:00.000-08:002014-01-16T12:39:41.287-08:00Taking Time as a Couple<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend my husband and I are going away for our anniversary. We just hit 14 years, which is very exciting, and quite the accomplishment in today's world. To my knowledge, we've never gone away to celebrate our anniversary before, so this trip is a bit of a milestone. We're both looking forward to having time to focus on each other, without distractions or responsibilities. With three active children, our relationship can sometimes take a back-burner to our busy lives, and we need a re-charge!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">How often do you and your husband remember to celebrate your couple-ness? Over the years our date nights have been few and far between for the most part. When the girls were really young, we couldn't afford a babysitter, so nights out didn't happen much. As they got a bit older, and money became a little less of an issue, we still struggled to make dating a priority. It wasn't until my girlfriend and I devised a monthly babysitting swap that we actually started enjoying time set aside just for us every month. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't stress enough how important time alone with your spouse is. Last year during sequestration, our budget was pretty tight, so our date nights were spent at home. We'd drop the girls off for their sleepover (which they love), run to the grocery store for some goodies, come home and put jammies on, and pop a movie in. Our overall cost was low, but the time together was priceless! Other months we've gone out to a nice dinner and just spent hours talking. I can't tell you how special it is to remember all over again why I married this man!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, maybe you don't have close friends or family around. Are you out of luck? Nope - there are so many options for couples today! Unfortunately, not all of them are free, but you may be able to find something that's fairly low cost and budget-friendly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Look into some of these ideas:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) Share childcare expenses - If you're looking to go out with another couple, hire one babysitter and share the cost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) Barter - Do you cut hair, tutor, or provide another service? You may be able to trade favors with a teen or other young person in return for babysitting service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) Utilize trustworthy teenagers - If you have a neighborhood teen or a young person from the youth group at church that you can trust, consider offering them a babysitting opportunity. They usually charge less than an adult. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) Join a babysitting co-op - Many churches or other groups will start babysitting co-ops. You'd drop your child at a specified location and provide their meal, and another couple would watch them. At some other point you would return the service. If several families are involved, the duty rotates month-to-month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even if your only option is the free childcare available at the mall or at IKEA, take advantage of some time to be alone with your hubby! You need time together that's not about changing diapers, feeding small people, or dealing with drama. Re-connect with the man you've chosen to spend your life with - not the daddy - and let him re-connect with you, the woman - not the mommy - he's picked! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-67730179121648978702014-01-06T06:00:00.002-08:002014-01-06T06:00:49.412-08:00New Year, New Goals<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's New Years resolution time! Have you written yours down? I found a really interesting chart on <a href="http://statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/">http://statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Take a look:</span><br />
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="verify" style="width: 300px;"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427" width="300"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Statistic Verification</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Source: University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology</td></tr>
<tr><td>Research Date: 1.1.2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427" width="8%"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Rank</span></strong></td><td bgcolor="#54d427" width="92%"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2014</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
1</div>
</td><td>Lose Weight</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
2</div>
</td><td>Getting Organized</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
3</div>
</td><td>Spend Less, Save More</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
4</div>
</td><td>Enjoy Life to the Fullest</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
5</div>
</td><td>Staying Fit and Healthy</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
6</div>
</td><td>Learn Something Exciting</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
7</div>
</td><td>Quit Smoking</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
8</div>
</td><td>Help Others in Their Dreams</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
9</div>
</td><td>Fall in Love</td></tr>
<tr><td><div align="center">
10</div>
</td><td>Spend More Time with Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#000000" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427" width="75%"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">News Years Resolution Statistics</span></strong></td><td bgcolor="#54d427" width="25%"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Data</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of Americans who <strong>usually</strong> make New Year’s Resolutions</td><td>45%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of Americans who <strong>infrequently</strong> make New Year’s Resolutions</td><td>17%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of Americans who <strong>absolutlely never</strong> make New Year’s Resolutions</td><td>38%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution</td><td>8%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent who have infrequent success</td><td>49%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent who never succeed and fail on their resolution each year</td><td>24%</td></tr>
<tr><td>People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions</td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Type of Resolutions </span></strong>(Percent above 100% because of multiple resolutions)</td><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Data</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Self Improvement or education related resolutions</td><td>47%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Weight related resolutions</td><td>38%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Money related resolutions</td><td>34%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Relationship related resolutions</td><td>31%</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Age Success Rates</span></strong></td><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Data</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of people in their twenties who achieve their resolution each year</td><td>39%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Percent of people over 50 who achieve their resolution each year</td><td>14%</td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Length of Resolutions</span></strong></td><td bgcolor="#54d427"><strong><span style="background-color: #54d427;">Data</span></strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Resolution maintained through first week</td><td>75%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past two weeks</td><td>71%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past one month</td><td>64%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Past six months</td><td>46%</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't these interesting? What's also telling to me, though, is how long these resolutions last. Most people are done keeping their resolution within a week. Why is that? Why can't we make a goal and stick with it? Weight loss, especially, seems to be something we moms give up on pretty quickly. We're quick to give ourselves an out: the kids have to nap, they're too disruptive, I'm too tired, or any other excuse we can use. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I haven't set myself any resolutions this year, but I do have specific goals I'm working on in my life. I think it's important that we all set goals for ourselves, and then we actively pursue them. For instance, if you'd like to lose weight, and you make it your New Years resolution, pursue it! Don't just purchase a gym membership - find a gym buddy, use a trainer, find classes you enjoy. If you're working out at home, make it work for you. I stick with my regimen much better when I'm with other people, so I take an aerobics class twice a week, and I kickbox twice a week. It keeps me accountable, and I'm able to share my exercise enjoyment with friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One thing I think we Christians always resolve to do is read our Bibles more each year. This is one deal I make with myself every year, and I usually have pretty poor follow-through. This year, I'm doing a reading plan with Charles and other members at church who have taken the challenge. I'm hopeful that we'll be able to hold each other accountable for our spiritual exercise plan! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, moms, I hope that if you've set resolutions for yourself, that you'll set out with a mind-set to succeed. Include a friend or your spouse in your resolutions so they can help you stay on track. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whatever your goals are, remember the S.M.A.R.T. analogy: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>S</strong></span> - <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Specific. Commit to exactly what you want to achieve. Know what you're working for.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>M</strong></span> - Measureable. Don't set a goal to lose weight - set a number. "I want to lose 10 pounds." You'll be able to measure your success this way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span> - Attainable. Make sure your goal is reasonable. Don't set yourself up for failure. Losing 10 pounds in a few days isn't attainable, but losing 10 pounds in 1-2 months certainly is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span> - Relevant. Your goal needs to mean something to you. Don't jump on the weight loss bandwagon if you're not really interested in losing weight and getting healthy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span> - Time-bound. Give yourself a time-frame to work with. "I want to lose 10 pounds in 2 months" gives you something specific to work towards in a set time period. With an ending in sight, it's easier to stick with something. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-61371639704537357722013-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:002013-11-18T08:54:41.145-08:00Chaos Has Descended!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as I love holidays, the weeks leading up to them seem to get crazier every year! My calendar is full of conferences, doctors appointments, dental appointments, and seminars - on top of all the regular parts of my weeks - exercise, Bible study, music lessons, and Jiu-Jitsu. Somewhere in there I have to squeeze in time to work since the holidays really are coming, and we'd like to pay for whatever gifts are coming! I think I might really and truly lose my mind this year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My goal right now is to find peace. I know, that sounds kind of crazy, right? Did you see my calendar?? Peace is a far distant destination, if you look at everything on my plate. However, for my sanity (and my family's) I've got to find a way to carve out some peace in the midst of the chaos. I have some ideas I'm going to try, and I'll try to update you on my progress as I go along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>1. Stay focused:</strong> I have to stay focused on what's actually important. Are there things I can let go of? Probably. I have a bad tendency to say "yes" and figure out how I'm going to do it later. I may have to miss a few events, or say no to a few people, but I have to stay focused on what's most important - my commitment to God and to my family. Everything else can wait!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>2. Calm it down:</strong> I have a tendency to carry all my stress around, letting it compound and make me crazy until I start dropping things. Unfortunately, the things I end up dropping are usually bills, appointments, or school commitments - all things I REALLY need to remember! I have to calm everything down and make time for these things that just won't wait. Keeping a desk calendar front and center has really helped me a lot with this. As long as an event makes it to the calendar, I'm OK and I can plan for it. If I forget to put it on the calendar, it gets dicey! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>3. Push Forward:</strong> I know that some days I'm not going to get much done on my list, but I can't let that stop me. Life has a bad habit of intruding just when I have everything planned out just right! When that happens, I have to remember to push forward and get through. The world isn't going to stop just because I'm overwhelmed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>4. Pray it out!:</strong> The final, and most important, part of the equation is prayer. I have to pray when things get to be too much. God will give me the peace I need to see my way out of the hole, but only if I ask for it. Sadly, I think that too often I rely on myself to get things done, when it's only through him that I'm going to truly succeed in life. He's promised to take our cares and burdens away if we give them to him - so why in the world don't I? His shoulders are much broader than mine, and much better suited to lifting heavy burdens. </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-43122967893663487352013-09-09T08:44:00.000-07:002013-09-09T08:44:30.732-07:00The Little Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6psSpQnU0A/Ui3mwQiNqpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/DNHktJMOu3A/s1600/Mothers+prayer+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6psSpQnU0A/Ui3mwQiNqpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/DNHktJMOu3A/s640/Mothers+prayer+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This caught my attention today. It mirrors what I've been trying to do with my girls recently. I read something that said if you want your kids to come to you with the big things when they're older, you have to listen to the little things when they're small. This really hit me - mostly because I find myself tuning out so many of the little things three girls are constantly throwing my way. But, if I don't want to find myself on the outside looking in when they're bigger, I've got to get my act together and start listening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been putting the poem above into practice in my life. When the girls come home from school, even though it's peak writing time, I stop what I'm doing so I can hear about their day and everything that happened. Do my ears ring and my brain slightly implode? Yes, but it's worth it. In the midst of all the chatter, I'm learning about my girls and what's important to them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily will tell me what happened in different classes, Abby will have a report on recess, and Morgan will have a behavior report on her classmates. It's amazing how much their personalities and individual struggles come through in what they say! Abby won't have anything to say about classwork because she doesn't care about it, but she'll have a play-by-play of her interaction with friends on the playground, because that matters to her. Emily will share a wide variety of things, mostly class related unless something happened with one of her friends and she needs venting time or advice. Morgan will let me know who misbehaved in class, and what steps she took to remedy the problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Look what I would miss out on by tuning them out every day! By turning off my lips and opening my ears, I get to come inside their world for a little bit and see what it's like. Is it easy? No, I will honestly tell you that it's really hard, but it's so important! I'm building a foundation today that will (hopefully) sustain our relationship through the teen years when I really <em>need </em>to know what's going on with them. It also clues me in to trouble areas early. If there's going to be drama with a friend, sometimes it can be headed off before it's a problem. If someone's struggling with a subject in school, I can take measures here at home to help. Sometimes my girls just need to know that I am present and I understand what they're going through right now. They don't need a solution or remedy - they just need Mommy, a listening ear, and a giant hug. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I encourage you to spend some time with each of your kids and their "little things." You may need to go to a quiet place and lose your mind a little bit afterwards, but I promise you that you won't regret it! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-90809320902354357422013-08-22T12:01:00.001-07:002013-08-22T12:01:43.258-07:00What is God Doing for Me Today?<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="381" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/p320x320/581050_513293585427498_65514771_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are some great ideas expressed in this simple message, and they're really hitting me today. I was joking with some wonderful girlfriends last week about patience, because we all know what happens when we ask God for help with it - he provides the opportunity to use it! Most moms aren't real excited for the opportunity to exercise more patience, but we certainly do need the help. How often does he send answers through opportunities? He gives us the opportunity to work, to help others, to become strong, and to resolve problems. Too bad we often see these opportunities as the troubles and not the solution! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How often do we miss blessings in our lives because we don't see God's answers? Think about all that God does for you every day. How many of his answers go completely over your head because you were expecting something different? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We miss out on so much that God has prepared for us because we continue to look at things through the world's glasses. When we stop and see a situation through God's lenses we can see his provision for us. Try to see God's opportunities in your situation. I have a feeling he's sending blessings your way - more than you can imagine!</span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-34004001554474538462013-08-20T10:39:00.002-07:002013-08-20T10:41:20.601-07:00Back to School<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was the official first day of school and I'm bittersweet about it. I'm not ashamed to say that I look forward to summer vacation each year. I like having my girls home, sleeping in every morning, and keeping a relaxed schedule. However, I am ready to get into a regular pattern, especially with my writing. I find it hard to set aside the time I need to devote to my craft when there are three energetic girls running around the house. They regard my "working" time the same way they do a phone call - they always have something really important to tell me even though I'm off limits. It tends to make me just a little irritable and short! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you have the same issue? Were you both happy and sad when you waved your kids off on the bus? It's one of the many interesting situations we face as moms. We're happy to be with our children every minute of every day until we REALLY need a break! My mother-in-law has mentioned home-schooling to me several times lately and I just have to laugh. As much as I love my girls I do not think I'm up to the challenge of home-schooling. Over the summer we did some math review and that was plenty for me to realize that I'm just not cut out to be their teacher! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">These hours that they are in school are my time to work - I'm either doing housework, writing, leading my Bible study, or running various and sundry errands. I don't find that I get more rest when they're not here; I can just direct my attentions to other things I need to do. When the girls are home things get compressed. I can maybe sneak in a couple of hours working on my book or articles, but I feel the need to compensate them with something fun to make up for it. That usually adds a trip somewhere to our day and takes away from productive tasks I would have done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess my point today is don't let anyone make you feel guilty that you were just the slightest bit relieved when the bus pulled away this morning. You're not alone in it! We all love our children and want the best for them, and sometimes we need some time apart so we can really enjoy them when we get them back! I know that I am determined not to let someone else dictate to me what my schedule should look like, and neither should you. Enjoy your back to school day!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-9241063089598492882013-08-03T09:43:00.004-07:002013-08-03T09:43:59.087-07:00Where Am I Pointing My Children?<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Photo: At the end of the day the question remains: Have I pointed them toward You, Lord?
{Thanks Time-Warp Wife for this}" class="img" height="383" src="https://sphotos-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p480x480/1000305_10151579407156961_369243742_n.jpg" style="left: -23px;" width="450" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw this on Facebook today, posted on Proverbs 31 Ministries' page, and it spoke to me. It got me thinking - am I pointing my girls to God every day? How do I accomplish this in the midst of the hustle and bustle and general craziness of life? I think the answer is staring us right in the face every day. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: am I living for God every day? Because if I am I will automatically point my children to him in all that I do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I want to live in such a way that my children see my faith played out in my day-to-day life. I can show them how God is working in my life when I sit down to write or make food for friends that need it. What I find is that sometimes it's the small things we do that mean more to the girls than the big ones we think will make an impact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So take the opportunity today to teach your kids about the important things in life, no matter what you're doing. You can show them God at soccer, at the dentist, or in the grocery store. Let them see God working in your life!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-25561213987963156322013-07-26T07:00:00.001-07:002013-07-26T07:00:43.650-07:00Blessings Pour Down<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. <span class="versetext" id="ps91-15" style="display: inline;">He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.</span><span class="versetext" id="ps91-16" style="display: inline;"> With long life<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="17"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/91.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-17" id="17" title="Dt 6:2; S Ps 21:4"></a></sup> will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="18"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/91.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-18" id="18" title="S Ps 50:23"></a></sup>" </span></em></span></div>
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<span class="versetext" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Psalm 91:14-16</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find myself stopping at random points during the day this week to say "Thank you Lord." That's all - short and sweet and heartfelt. You know why? Because I am feeling His blessings in my life in some special and visible ways. Here's some history: my husband is a DoD (Department of Defense) employee. As you may know President Obama decided in his infinite wisdom last year to institute sequestration if Congress didn't bend to his budget demands. It hit the news and fizzled - after all, who cares about some fat-cat government employees getting a pay cut, right?? Unfortunately what people didn't (and still don't) understand is that the fat-cats don't feel the cuts. This sequestration was targeted at people just like us - middle-class working families, many with children, who are trying to make a living for their family. The result has been 11 days of furlough spread out over 11 weeks. Allow me to translate - for 11 weeks Charles is "off" on Fridays because he's not getting paid. It's a partial lay-off in layman's terms. 20% of our pay every week is gone. Granted we still get to pay all of our bills at full price, but with 20% less money available to do so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, reading all about sequestration and its affects on our family you may be wondering why I'm writing about blessings. Strangely enough, God's blessings are pouring through the clouds surrounding us right now. I have been signed up with a freelance writing website for about a year now. I had almost forgotten about this site until I started fretting about money and how we were going to make it financially right now. I ended up exploring this site and accepting an article. I spent about an hour writing, turned it in and made approximately $7. Not too bad, but I'd sure have to take a lot of assignments in order to make up any pay Charles has lost. Imagine my surprise Wednesday when I opened the site and had a team invitation. I have been invited to join a team that writes an average of 20 articles a week, with the opportunity to do more if I'm able. Would you believe that writing 20 of these articles will make me almost exactly the amount we are losing to sequestration every week? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was stunned and incredibly humbled by this discovery. I have been worried to the point of sickness over this whole situation and I finally hit bottom with it last weekend. I sat down and had a long conversation with God about this whole business and gave it to him completely. For Real! I didn't grab it back immediately so I could worry some more. I handed my burden over to his more-than-capable shoulders and left it there. Needless to say it was very freeing and I started feeling better about the whole situation right then and there. And three days later I am provided with a way to make up every penny that we are losing. I don't think you could attribute this to anything but God and his goodness. I am floored and comforted by his overwhelming care and protection. I hope that you, too, will give him your burdens. I can't guarantee you'll have the same answer, but I promise you He will provide for you. His blessings will pour down on you!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-25761359103194633232013-07-17T19:57:00.000-07:002013-07-17T19:57:16.040-07:00Unify!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="versetext" id="ga3-26" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="versenum">26</span> You are all sons of God</em></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="44"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-44" id="44" title="S Ro 8:14"></a></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> through faith in Christ Jesus, </em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> <span class="versetext" id="ga3-27" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">27</span> for all of you who were baptized into Christ<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="45"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-45" id="45" title="S Mt 28:19; Ro 6:3"></a></sup> have clothed yourselves with Christ.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="46"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-46" id="46" title="S Ro 13:14"></a></sup> </span> <span class="versetext" id="ga3-28" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">28</span> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="47"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-47" id="47" title="1Co 12:13; Col 3:11"></a></sup> male nor female,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="48"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-48" id="48" title="Ge 1:27; 5:2; Joel 2:29"></a></sup> for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="49"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-49" id="49" title="Jn 10:16; 17:11; Eph 2:14,15"></a></sup> </span> <span class="versetext" id="ga3-29" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">29</span> If you belong to Christ,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="50"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-50" id="50" title="S 1Co 3:23"></a></sup> then you are Abraham's seed,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="51"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-51" id="51" title="ver 16; S Lk 3:8"></a></sup> and heirs<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="52"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-52" id="52" title="S Ro 8:17"></a></sup> according to the promise. (NIV)</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">Galatians 3:26-28</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">I can't tell you how many times this verse has gone through my head today as I continue to hear anger, pain and hurt from both sides of the Zimmerman / Martin controversy. People are in pain, families are hurting, and of course the media is right there spreading the hate around. Why? Why do we do this to each other? What is wrong with us as a country when the federal government involves itself in a situation just because the verdict was not guilty? Are we really so petty? Apparently we are. It makes me sad and disappointed in my fellow Americans. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">It's times like this that I can just picture the devil rubbing his hands in glee. We are letting ourselves get drawn into the "race" arguments and hard feelings and ignoring the needs of people all around us. Are you going to fix anything by stoking the fire? How can we expect anyone to heal if we constantly shove this in peoples' faces? We've got to get it together my friends! Wake up and realize that pointing fingers and judging people you don't know will set you right into Satan's palm. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">What does Paul tell the Galatians? "<em>There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="47"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-47" id="47" title="1Co 12:13; Col 3:11"></a></sup><em> male nor female,</em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="48"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-48" id="48" title="Ge 1:27; 5:2; Joel 2:29"></a></sup><em> for you are all one in Christ Jesus." </em>I think God would allow me to add "black or white" to this verse to make my point. We're all the same in Christ Jesus. Men, women, African, Asian, Indian, or Caucasian, and the list goes on. If we're all children of God these differences we have don't matter. Skin color especially - do you realize skin color is all about the amount of melanin in your skin? More melanin = darker skin; less melanin = lighter skin. It's such a silly thing to judge each other over! I'm not saying we aren't all different, but culture plays a bigger part in our differences than skin color ever will. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">In this time of uncertainty and negativity I challenge you to be better. Don't get mired in the controversy. Hold on to God while others are holding on to the hate and anger. Let God in so He can heal your hurts. And pray that those at the heart of this very sad situation will do the same thing.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-13403610518176338512013-07-13T09:38:00.005-07:002013-07-13T09:38:56.755-07:00Happy Saturday!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello my friends! Here are some great Dr. Seuss thoughts for you on this beautiful weekend afternoon...</span><br />
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<img alt="Photo: Wednesday Wisdom <3
Who says nursery rhymes are only for children!" class="img" height="378" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p480x480/1004056_519240094792376_760368833_n.jpg" style="left: -4px;" width="514" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-23300200494192621902013-07-11T06:28:00.000-07:002013-08-15T05:25:49.998-07:00De-Vacation My Children!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you ever have to de-vacation your children after a trip? You know what I mean - sit them down and explain that the world does not, in fact, revolve around them and their every whim, that we do actually have to get stuff done around the house, and that the pocketbook is not a bottomless reservoir. Is it only me that has this problem? I think not!! I bet you know exactly what I'm talking about. I made the tactical error of taking the girls to Wal-Mart yesterday before the de-vacationing speech and got nothing but "Can we get _____?" "I <em>really</em> like ______," and the ever so subtle "I'm SOOO thirsty - that bottled water sure looks good..." Yep, it was a pretty quick shopping trip followed by a much needed conversation about real life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, how do we go about de-vacationing? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's my feeble attempt:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) <em>Try to get things back to normal-ish.</em> Monday morning we started back with the chore charts. It's a way to ease us back into routine without killing anybody. We're not being real sticklers on bedtimes or wake-ups yet since it's still summer break, but we are taking some time each day to work on math facts and make sure our normal tasks get done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) <em>Don't give in to the gimmees.</em> It's so easy on vacation to play the sentimental card and buy way more than any one kid needs to have, much less three. If this happened during vacation you have to put a stop to it once you get home or you will find yourself drooling somewhere in an asylum corner before you know it! While a little treating during vacation is nice, and even expected, you won't do your kids any favors if you continue the trend when you're home. Kids need to know that there's a difference between our usual budget $$ and the $$ we set aside for vacation extras. Otherwise you might as well paste a wallet to your head because that's all they'll see when you're around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) <em>Be honest.</em> Let your kids know that you had a budget for vacation and you have a budget for home. If you spend at home like you do on vacation you might find yourself in a bad financial spot. It's good for them to have a grasp, albeit not dollar amounts, on the budget. For instance, as a DOD employee my husband is going to be furloughed for one day every week for 11 weeks - yay - which is affecting our budget. I've sat the girls down and explained that things are going to be tight, and we won't be doing much extra. It stinks that we have to deal with this over the summer, but what choice do we have? We could ignore the cut in pay and spend our way right out of a home and into bankruptcy. Not a smart move! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) <em>Be fun!!</em> The fun doesn't have to end just because vacation is over. Try to keep that spirit alive when you get back home. Let the kids camp out together if they want to. Fire up the firepit and roast some s'mores. Turn the sprinkler on and let them loose. Visit the pool or the library - or both! Try to remember, even as you get things back to "normal" that you only get this time with them once. Let loose and have some fun with your kids!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-88309631631301980422013-07-04T07:02:00.000-07:002013-07-04T07:02:40.458-07:00Where is my freedom?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the 4th of July upon us our minds naturally turn to freedom. We remember how blessed we are to live in this country: the land of the free and the home of the brave. It's got me thinking about my freedoms as a parent and what they mean to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What do I mean by free? Let me put it to you this way - do you find fulfillment and freedom in your life as a parent or does it stifle and constrict you? I think we all have moments that we identify with both sides of this question. It's when we can't escape the constriction that we have to stop and fix things. Being a parent should be a freeing and exciting journey for each one of us. Whether you planned each of your miracles or were surprised, they are special and worthy of your time and energy. You should be free to love them without restriction, to play with them without embarrassment, and to cuddle them without limitations. What keeps you from claiming that joy? I know what keeps me from it - I get distracted, I get busy, and I get so bogged down in the day-to-day muck of life that I don't feel free or joyful. Instead of enjoying an outing I find myself thinking about what has to be done when we get home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, how do we work ourselves out of the funk and into the freedom and joy of parenting? I think the best way is improving our prayer lives. I know that too often I lay a burden at God's feet only to take it up again later. Really?? Am I really so arrogant that I think I can handle my stuff better than God can? Apparently I am all too often! It's a hard thing to give your burdens away for good. I like to think I'm getting better at it, and most days I am, but there are some things that I have a hard time giving over. However, when I'm successful I find that parenting becomes easier for me. I'm calmer and more relaxed with my girls, which makes me more fun to be around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Along with improving our prayer lives we have to learn to lighten up! Be silly with your kids - who cares if you look funny singing your heart out to One Direction songs? Does it matter? It means so much to your kids when you can sit down with them and be fun - play games, play Barbies or Legos, read together, make up silly stories, or color. They don't care what it is. So I'm going to challenge you to be free - claim your right to be a joyful, free parent and see how your children respond!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-65268972617639962322013-06-13T08:25:00.003-07:002013-06-13T08:25:54.155-07:00Enjoy today!<img alt="Photo: "You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow, they'll be a little older than they were today.
This day is a gift.
Breathe and notice.
Smell and touch them; study their faces and little feet and pay attention.
Relish the charms of the present.
Enjoy today, mama. It will be over before you know it."
- Jen Hatmaker
Picture Source: Joni Lay at http://laybabylay.com/relish-the-charms-of-the-present/" class="img" height="403" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/431800_10151484122596961_1069292106_n.jpg" style="left: -22px;" width="449" /><br />
As we start our summers with a bang, I want to challenge you to remember this message. I know I need to remind myself of this very thing all the time! Our children are a blessing every day, even when we are going crazy! May you have a blessed summer with your babies. Make some great memories and tell me all about them!<br />
I'm off to make some memories with mine over the next two weeks. Between Disney and Gatlinburg I will have many chances to remind myself that every day is a blessing! I pray that I will be able to leave the stress behind and just enjoy being a mom. I pray the same thing for you as the summer vacations begin and we all have kids full time. <br />
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<em>"Enjoy today, mama. It will be over before you know it." - Jen Hatmaker</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-42182471353030533682013-06-06T06:51:00.000-07:002013-06-06T06:51:09.854-07:00Help, the Mommy's Guilt is Out to Get Me!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's question deals with something us moms are very familiar with: mother's guilt. Some of us are better at it than others, but we all feel it over something at least once in our mothering "career." The question we're going to address today is two-fold: how do I deal with the guilt when 1) I enjoy one stage of mothering so much and can't stand another and 2) I'm not super volunteer / cheerleader / philanthropist at school? Can you empathize with either of these? I know I can! Why do we love to beat ourselves up over every little thing? It seems like we can always find something to feel guilty or inadequate about as moms. We volunteer, but not enough; we love our children, but really can't stand changing diapers or crying babies; we missed every field trip for one child and made all of them for another; we totally forgot about Teacher Appreciation week, and the list can go on and on. We love to hold on to all these "failures" and stew, don't we? If only we were perfect! Well, we're not, so you can take that pressure off yourself right now! The way I see it we have some options here for dealing with our Mommy Guilt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. You can choose to let the guilt rule you. This is not what I recommend, but you can certainly try it for yourself and let me know how it goes! Here's a picture of how this might go for you: every time you feel guilty about something that doesn't meet your standards let it eat you up inside until you fix it. Did you forget to send in a donation for the class auction basket? Quick, write a check or go out and buy something really nice so no one thinks poorly of you... don't worry about the family budget you just blew. Feeling guilty about your volunteer schedule? Make sure you're at the school for something every day... just forget about the things at home you're leaving undone. Do you see where this strategy will get you? I have tried to keep up with everything and invariably I can't do it! If I'm Super Volunteer at school, then I'm not Super Mom at home, and vice versa. One thing I can guarantee about this option - you will not be satisfied if you let your guilt rule you. You will never measure up, and there will always be something you could have done better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. You can deal with the root of the problem. Do you know what is at the root of mother's guilt? Insecurity. We are all scared that we're not good enough. Some of us love babies, but struggle when our kids get bigger and start expressing their opinions, while others really have a hard time with babies and their constant demands, but love the ages when their kids are mobile and active. Does that make us better or worse than each other? I don't think so. I think it makes us human. As with anything, if we were all the same this world would be an awfully boring place. If I'm a baby stage-loving mom and have a good friend who's an older stage-loving mom, don't you think we can complement one another? She can be strong in the areas that I am weak in, and vice versa. Here's the kicker though, we have to be honest with ourselves and others about these things. We let our guilt rule us and we never admit that we have struggles. The key is to turn that guilt on its side. How about listening to God's ideas of parenting instead of the worlds'? What does He have to say on the subject?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Ephesians 6:4</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="versetext" id="eph6-4" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">"4</span> Fathers, do not exasperate your children;<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/ephesians/6.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-3" id="3" title="Col 3:21"></a></sup> instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;">Do you know how much Mommy Guilt we can avoid by simplifying our parenting? Instead of worrying about living up to others' standards we should worry about living up to God's; and he's pretty clear - bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Wow! How often does that even cross our minds while we're wallowing in guilt over everything? Does it ever? I know the guilt is very real and very troubling, but it really is misplaced. If this is your struggle, I urge you to take it to God in prayer. Let Him take this guilt away! He will... if you are willing to let it go. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;"><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"></sup></span></em></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-90888758002886176942013-05-29T11:27:00.000-07:002013-08-19T08:54:28.873-07:00Loving Through the Pain<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>9 But he said to me, <span class="WordsOfChrist">"My grace<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="16"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-16" id="16" title="S Ro 3:24"></a></sup> is sufficient for you, for my power<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="17"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-17" id="17" title="S Php 4:13"></a></sup> is made perfect in weakness.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="18"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-18" id="18" title="S 1Co 2:3"></a></sup>"<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="19"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-19" id="19" title="1Ki 19:12"></a></sup></span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. <span class="versetext" id="2co12-10" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum">10</span> That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="20"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-20" id="20" title="S Mt 5:12"></a></sup> in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="21"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-21" id="21" title="2Co 6:4"></a></sup> in persecutions,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="22"></a><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-22" id="22" title="Ro 5:3; 2Th 1:4"></a></sup> in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span class="versetext" style="display: inline;"><sup class="crossref" style="display: none;"><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12.html#cr-descriptionAnchor-23" id="23" title="2Co 13:4"></a></sup></span></em></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is for those of us who are living with pain: injuries, disease, disorders, you name it. Pain stinks! You know my history - herniated disc in the lower back, two surgeries to fix it, re-herniation, and now more sharp, insistent pain in the low back and down my right leg... again. It's frustrating and maddening and all-consuming! When every move you make shoots pain through your body it is hard to think through it. It's hard to focus on things you need to do because you hurt and your pain recepters are going to make sure you know that you are hurting and they aren't happy. My question today is: how do I find the love through the pain?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Does that make sense? Let me try to explain. When all your brain processes is pain it's very easy to become irritable. I find that little things will just set me off: toys on the floor, kids knocking my chair, more toys on the floor, someone else knocking me off balance - you get the picture! Every nerve in my body is on edge right now and it takes so little for one of my beautiful treasures to step right on it and set me off! Since I can't put myself away in a padded room full of pain relievers, what can I do? How do I love through this pain? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, I have to acknowledge that there is a problem. I am hurt... again... and need to take steps to make it better. This means regular Motrin, not sitting too long, icing, and using my "Mini-Masseuse" machine. Nothing new, but these are activities that eat into time I'd much rather spend doing other things. This is all a big pain in the rear (literally!) but very necessary. I can't just sit back and play the victim. If I want to feel better - and I do - I have to take steps that will help make that happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Second, I have to watch the attitude. Yes, I hurt and it stinks and it would be great if it would go away, but I also have a family that still needs care and loving even though I don't feel good. I think my frustration has come from a perceived lack of empathy from the younger girls. They see me hurting and it translates into an inconvenience for them instead of an opportunity to help. My struggle right now is to teach a different attitude without just being mean, crazy mom and losing my mind. If I can learn to look at my situation like Paul did I think I could really do the girls a lot of good. I can honestly tell you that I have a really hard time looking at this physical weakness as a strength or opportunity for God, but it can be! If I can take my own thoughts and perceptions out of the equation and focus on how God can be glorified through my situation He will make my weakness a strength! The question is: can I do it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Third, I have to keep on track. This setback can't affect my forward progress. I still need to write and work on my ongoing projects. If that means working in snatches as my back allows, that's what I will do. Yes, it'll stink and it'll wreak havoc with my "Zone" time, but I have to make it work! I know from experience that the best way to stave off the depression that would love to creep in is to keep myself in God's word and in close communion with Him every day. My favorite way to do this is writing, so I have to keep it up. If that means writing for 15 minutes and taking a 5 minute break, that is what I will do. If that means using paper and a pen while I'm icing and typing later, I'll make that work too! I can stay on my positive work track and keep my forward momentum if I fully rely on God to get me through this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally, I have to keep God close. Having done this same routine a few times before, I know that falling to my knees in front of God and His mighty power is the only thing that will let me love through this pain. If I have to be weak in order to be strong in Christ I will take it! I would much rather be strong for Christ and feeble in body than strong in self and weak in Christ! I know that He is stronger than my weakness and He will carry me through this. So, how do I love through the pain? I put my arms around God and let His love radiate through me to those around me. I can't do it on my own, but if I let Him do the hard part I can't lose! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-72690500829029024252013-05-23T06:17:00.000-07:002013-05-23T06:17:09.311-07:00Help, My Children Have Lost Their Minds!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but here in Maryland our kids still have until June 11 before school is out. Right now that feels like an eternity to them... and to me! No one wants to get up in the morning, no one wants to do homework, no one wants to go to school and do anything productive - you get the picture. They are ready to be done. Unfortunately we still have 12 days of school left. 12 more days of work. 12 more days of morning crazy before 8 blessed weeks of freedom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I find myself in need of some strategies and tools to get us through to June 11. What can I do differently to help the girls? How am I contributing to the stress? How do I stay sane over the next weeks?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have some ideas on making these last weeks of school more pleasure than pain for all of us:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Make it Special -</strong> Tuesday evening the school had a Book Fair that we could visit as a family, so we all piled in the car and went down for some new reading material. The girls all got to pick some books out and immediately started reading them in the car. Abby, especially, has been devouring her choices - and she's not a huge reader! It made me realize that sometimes they need the novelty of a "treat." Something out of the ordinary that just makes them feel special. Sure, it cost Charles and I the price of the books, but their enjoyment and appreciation make it worth every penny! Today I drove them to school - again, not a huge thing, but something that starts their day out special. Over the next couple of weeks I will try to find different little things that will make their days pass a little easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Relax -</strong> I don't know about you, but my May calendar is full! In the last two weeks I have been at the girls' school for 6 different events. Add in church functions, friends and family and you have a crazy, busy month! It's hard enough to manage the family during this wind down time - add in all the field trips, field days, concerts, and activities and you can easily lose your mind! This is the first weekend we have nothing scheduled and we have declared it off-limits. Charles and Morgan have plans to conquer the two-wheeler bike, Emily has a date with her roller blades, and Abby is itching to get back on her bike. Mommy will be on camera detail and we will rest. We don't take enough time to enjoy being home together as a family, especially during this time of year. There's so much going on that sucks your family time away, so we will take this weekend to steal it back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Prioritize -</strong> All the hectic rush makes me crazy and rubs off on the girls so they get kind of crazy, too! It doesn't help anything and just makes us all want to rip at each other, so I'm trying to figure out how to avoid it. It's time for me to prioritize - what's most important, what can we let go, etc. - and then accept the limits I place. Why do I continue to think that I can do anything and handle anything? I have proved over and over again that I have limits - why do I choose to ignore them so often? My poor family are the ones who suffer because I can't say no. So I'll keep working on setting my boundaries and sticking to them. One of these days, with the Lord's help, maybe I will figure it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5856379382037660142.post-17326422249745097342013-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:002015-04-28T11:57:17.721-07:00I'm Proud to be a Nurturing Mom!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently read a Time article titled: <i>"Viewpoint: Is Mother's Day Sexist?"</i> The author is concerned with the messages we send this time of year. Why do we thank moms for being nurturing, gentle, and soft when just a month later we thank dads for their strength and good examples? Why can't moms be the role model and dads the nurturers? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me share a paragraph from the article with you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Of course, there is not a thing wrong with children saying thank you for all those cuddles and comfort, or for expressing gratitude for models of strength and responsibility. These are all lovely sentiments. The question is: why in 2013, are we still dividing all these traits by gender? It’s insulting to both women and men and it has less and less to do with contemporary American families. Dads can be nurturers. Moms can be role models. Many, of course, already are."<br /><br />Read more: </i></span><a href="http://ideas.time.com/2013/05/09/viewpoint-is-mothers-day-sexist/#ixzz2T1NO7cPL" style="color: #003399;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>http://ideas.time.com/2013/05/09/viewpoint-is-mothers-day-sexist/#ixzz2T1NO7cPL</i></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My answer to this article is NO - Mother's Day is not sexist! I am proud to be a soft place for my children to fall, and I have no problem with my place in their lives. God made me different from Charles, just like he made all men and women different. Does this mean men can't nurture? No, of course not, but it's not the natural instinct of most guys. We thank our dads for their strength, example, and character because these are the things dads should be teaching us. My girls are learning what a man is supposed to be like by watching their father. He is the spiritual leader in our home... and I am perfectly fine with that! Why do we feel the need to steal identity from each other? Why is it undesirable for me to be a woman with womanly traits and characteristics? God has good reasons for what he does and he didn't mess up when he gave each sex different strengths and weaknesses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I find it interesting that my womanly traits mix with Charles' manly traits and make a complete set of parents for our girls. How sad is it that we can't celebrate that as a society? I will spend tomorrow with my family, enjoying time together and celebrating my 11 years as a mom. I will be proud of the fact that I nurture my girls and teach them how to be Godly young women. I encourage you to do the same with your children! Let's send our own message this year - we are proud to be nurturing moms! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17297214753215656597noreply@blogger.com0