Judas Asparagus
If you need a laugh today, then this should do it !!!
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching ???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one', but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead..
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
I love Tiger Woods!
With all the Tiger Woods hoopla in the media lately it makes me wonder. Wonder, what if we actually worried more about our lives instead of others. Other peoples lives like big celebrities, whom we have made big by buying into all of the hype. Stop and think...these people are just that...people. They eat like we do, albeit probably a lot better food than we do, they watch tv like we do, they shower like we do, they poop like we do, they do a lot of the normal day to day things that we do. Because they are just that...PEOPLE! Now granted, they are from a more privileged lifestyle than we have. I don't know many people that live in a gated community with a chef or personal trainer, with a big huge deal with Nike, or with a super model wife. But does that make him any better or worse? No, it just makes him Tiger Woods. Tell me this, if you were a big huge celebrity and had men/women throwing themselves at you every day could you refrain from the temptation forever? He is only human. And please don't get me wrong, I am in no way shape or form condoning or agreeing with what Tiger Woods has done, however I think the only person that could refrain from all that temptation would be Jesus.
First, let's talk about these women who have "supposedly" had an affair with Tiger Woods. Okay, if I had been one of those women how embarrassed I would be to come out and say it to the public. HELLO! My parents would be watching! How horrified they would be. And I would much rather be known for the great things I have accomplished in my life rather than one of my not so greatest moments in life. I know we all have those moments that we are not proud of, but I most definitely don't want my rise to fame to be known for that. Doesn't it make you wonder what has made these women so desperate for love, fame, and attention? Were they abused, neglected, or mistreated as children? Could some one along the way have shown them a path to self confidence instead of one of self destruction? Or maybe someone showed them that if they would sell themselves for just a bit the payoff could be bigger in the end...especially with a big celebrity. Have we idealized "stuff" so much that people are willing to do what they have to in order to get the "stuff" that they want?
Next, Tiger Woods. One of the most famous men in golf past, present, and future. A man that prides himself on discipline. A man that we as a culture have made into a hero that is known worldwide. But he is just that, a man. And all men have sin. The only hero that we could ever possibly have that is without sin is Jesus. How can we as a nation jump on the bash Tiger Woods bandwagon? If someone were to look at the skeletons in your closet what would they find? I am sure that there are things that you have done in your life that you are not proud of, I know there are mine, so how can we go from loving this man in one moment to ridiculing him the next. This brought to mind the scripture where Jesus was talking with teachers of the law about a woman that had committed adultery. According to their law she should be stoned and Jesus said this: John 8:7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Not that we have all committed adultery, but are any of us without sin? Shouldn't we be praying for Tiger Woods and his family instead of blasting them across every tabloid, magazine, newspaper, tv screen, etc.? And no we can't help that they will continue to print his indiscretion, but we don't have to buy into it or watch it either.
We will find faults in any and every human we encounter. They will at some point let us down whether they intended to or not. Think about that....that means you and me. As much as I like to please people and help I know that I have at some point, and during a not so fabulous time in my life at many points, let people down in my life. Even now while I try my very best to follow God and be like Jesus I know I will fail because I am human and I am not without sin. I will sin every day for the rest of my life, but if I continue to pray and read God's Word then I have a better chance of following God's plan for my life and not Satan's plan. Unfortunately Tiger Woods walked the line too close to Satan and Satan won. We have all done that, but thankfully we still had people in our lives who loved us enough to help us and not ridicule us in our most vulnerable and weakest moments.
Matthew
7: 1-5 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (The Message)
First, let's talk about these women who have "supposedly" had an affair with Tiger Woods. Okay, if I had been one of those women how embarrassed I would be to come out and say it to the public. HELLO! My parents would be watching! How horrified they would be. And I would much rather be known for the great things I have accomplished in my life rather than one of my not so greatest moments in life. I know we all have those moments that we are not proud of, but I most definitely don't want my rise to fame to be known for that. Doesn't it make you wonder what has made these women so desperate for love, fame, and attention? Were they abused, neglected, or mistreated as children? Could some one along the way have shown them a path to self confidence instead of one of self destruction? Or maybe someone showed them that if they would sell themselves for just a bit the payoff could be bigger in the end...especially with a big celebrity. Have we idealized "stuff" so much that people are willing to do what they have to in order to get the "stuff" that they want?
Next, Tiger Woods. One of the most famous men in golf past, present, and future. A man that prides himself on discipline. A man that we as a culture have made into a hero that is known worldwide. But he is just that, a man. And all men have sin. The only hero that we could ever possibly have that is without sin is Jesus. How can we as a nation jump on the bash Tiger Woods bandwagon? If someone were to look at the skeletons in your closet what would they find? I am sure that there are things that you have done in your life that you are not proud of, I know there are mine, so how can we go from loving this man in one moment to ridiculing him the next. This brought to mind the scripture where Jesus was talking with teachers of the law about a woman that had committed adultery. According to their law she should be stoned and Jesus said this: John 8:7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Not that we have all committed adultery, but are any of us without sin? Shouldn't we be praying for Tiger Woods and his family instead of blasting them across every tabloid, magazine, newspaper, tv screen, etc.? And no we can't help that they will continue to print his indiscretion, but we don't have to buy into it or watch it either.
We will find faults in any and every human we encounter. They will at some point let us down whether they intended to or not. Think about that....that means you and me. As much as I like to please people and help I know that I have at some point, and during a not so fabulous time in my life at many points, let people down in my life. Even now while I try my very best to follow God and be like Jesus I know I will fail because I am human and I am not without sin. I will sin every day for the rest of my life, but if I continue to pray and read God's Word then I have a better chance of following God's plan for my life and not Satan's plan. Unfortunately Tiger Woods walked the line too close to Satan and Satan won. We have all done that, but thankfully we still had people in our lives who loved us enough to help us and not ridicule us in our most vulnerable and weakest moments.
Matthew
7: 1-5 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (The Message)
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The Shepherds and Angels
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Well, what better day than today to not be able to sleep. Maybe the quiet time of the early morning will allow me to reflect on this past year and the many blessing Jesus has given to us.
It seems as though all we did in January, February, and March were doctor's appointments, doctor's appointments, and more doctor's appointments! We were consumed by my ever growing belly and the beautiful baby growing inside. Not to mention that we were busy with our oldest children and their activities as well.
This year was also a year for firsts! =)
We celebrated Garrett's birthday on April 9th. The day after his sleepover we started having contractions. At least Bella was considerate enough to wait until his friends had gone home. Then we went to the hospital and on Easter Sunday we had our first BIG first of the year. Arabella Grace weighing a small 5lbs 11ozs and being 18 inches long. We have been SO blessed by her!
I suppose the next first was Garrett graduating from fifth grade. That was an emotional day for me. My baby boy was now going to be in middle school and as I watched him walk across the stage to get his diploma I was holding my one month old baby in my arms. Yes, I was a but emotional.
Another big event that was a first and only was my surgery. How I had been waiting for four years to have this surgery. A total hysterectomy! WOO HOO! No more endometriosis pain and no more going to the doctor every three months for painful tests checking to see if the cancerous cells (cervical) had returned. After a five hour long procedure with my doctor and the GYN Oncologist it was all over. My doctor did say that I did have some bad spots on my cervix, however they hadn't turned into cancerous cells yet that they were pre-cancerous cells. PRAISE JESUS!
The summer turned into me hanging out around the house and trying to take it easy so I could rest and heal. Aaron also had the opportunity to play with his band. We had a lot of fun going to Cincy! I got to watch him play and then we went out on the town. It was also
our first time we left Bella over night. It was difficult, but much needed and well worth it. I was also blessed with the wonderful opportunity of lia sophia to help supplement the 60% decrease we received in Aaron's pay. That hurt, but we knew that Jesus would provide for us.
Up next, back to school. =( Back to school meant several things. Back to work for me (and was that ever difficult...still is honestly), Bella going to the sitter for the first time, Garrett starting middle school, Skyla getting her braces off and starting seventh grade. Skyla also started playing volleyball this year. GO SKYLA! She is definitely active and we wish we could be at all of her games. We are cheering for you in Skyla. Besides, you know you play better when we aren't there. =)
So, life was busy for the next months. Bella had her first Halloween. That was a lot of fun. =) We were busy with family pictures on both sides, going to Painstville to visit the family, my sister moving back here, and lots of other things. Then we had our first Thanksgiving at our house with the almost the WHOLE family. Steve, Carol, and the kids couldn't make it because Steve was sick and so was Mike and Veronica. They were missed! Other than that we had both sides of my family and Aaron's family here. It was amazingly wonderful. We also surprised my mom and day with their Christmas gift...our big family picture. I never expected the response that we got, but it was AWESOME!
In December we were given our first teenager! Skyla turned thirteen on December 7th. Where has the time gone? Also, we took the whole family shopping for kids on the Angel Tree. It has been a rough year for us and we might not have been able to give as many presents as we wish we could, but there are kids that wouldn't have a Christmas if we didn't help. There are kids that still won't get any presents on Christmas. So we had the two oldest each get the name of a child their age so they could
see how truly blessed they are. Then we went and served dinner at the Community Action Center to the people that we bought gifts for and their families. How AWESOME and rewarding it was to go as a family and sere others.
Now we are at Bella's first Christmas. Not only is it her first Christmas, but she just started full-on crawling (not army crawling) and her bottom two teeth have broken through the skin. WOW! What an amazing year we have had! All because a baby changes everything. I'm not speaking of Bella, although she has changed the dynamics of our family and we absolutely LOVE it! I am talking about baby Jesus. So on this Christmas Day let's not forget the most important present, gift, and first that we have. Let us remember that the first Christmas was when Jesus was born. Let us not forget that if weren't for Jesus we wouldn't have any of the gifts or blessings that we have in our lives. Jesus came into this world for us and I consider that the greatest gift of all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!
It seems as though all we did in January, February, and March were doctor's appointments, doctor's appointments, and more doctor's appointments! We were consumed by my ever growing belly and the beautiful baby growing inside. Not to mention that we were busy with our oldest children and their activities as well.
This year was also a year for firsts! =)
We celebrated Garrett's birthday on April 9th. The day after his sleepover we started having contractions. At least Bella was considerate enough to wait until his friends had gone home. Then we went to the hospital and on Easter Sunday we had our first BIG first of the year. Arabella Grace weighing a small 5lbs 11ozs and being 18 inches long. We have been SO blessed by her!
I suppose the next first was Garrett graduating from fifth grade. That was an emotional day for me. My baby boy was now going to be in middle school and as I watched him walk across the stage to get his diploma I was holding my one month old baby in my arms. Yes, I was a but emotional.
Another big event that was a first and only was my surgery. How I had been waiting for four years to have this surgery. A total hysterectomy! WOO HOO! No more endometriosis pain and no more going to the doctor every three months for painful tests checking to see if the cancerous cells (cervical) had returned. After a five hour long procedure with my doctor and the GYN Oncologist it was all over. My doctor did say that I did have some bad spots on my cervix, however they hadn't turned into cancerous cells yet that they were pre-cancerous cells. PRAISE JESUS!
The summer turned into me hanging out around the house and trying to take it easy so I could rest and heal. Aaron also had the opportunity to play with his band. We had a lot of fun going to Cincy! I got to watch him play and then we went out on the town. It was also
our first time we left Bella over night. It was difficult, but much needed and well worth it. I was also blessed with the wonderful opportunity of lia sophia to help supplement the 60% decrease we received in Aaron's pay. That hurt, but we knew that Jesus would provide for us.Up next, back to school. =( Back to school meant several things. Back to work for me (and was that ever difficult...still is honestly), Bella going to the sitter for the first time, Garrett starting middle school, Skyla getting her braces off and starting seventh grade. Skyla also started playing volleyball this year. GO SKYLA! She is definitely active and we wish we could be at all of her games. We are cheering for you in Skyla. Besides, you know you play better when we aren't there. =)
So, life was busy for the next months. Bella had her first Halloween. That was a lot of fun. =) We were busy with family pictures on both sides, going to Painstville to visit the family, my sister moving back here, and lots of other things. Then we had our first Thanksgiving at our house with the almost the WHOLE family. Steve, Carol, and the kids couldn't make it because Steve was sick and so was Mike and Veronica. They were missed! Other than that we had both sides of my family and Aaron's family here. It was amazingly wonderful. We also surprised my mom and day with their Christmas gift...our big family picture. I never expected the response that we got, but it was AWESOME!
In December we were given our first teenager! Skyla turned thirteen on December 7th. Where has the time gone? Also, we took the whole family shopping for kids on the Angel Tree. It has been a rough year for us and we might not have been able to give as many presents as we wish we could, but there are kids that wouldn't have a Christmas if we didn't help. There are kids that still won't get any presents on Christmas. So we had the two oldest each get the name of a child their age so they could
see how truly blessed they are. Then we went and served dinner at the Community Action Center to the people that we bought gifts for and their families. How AWESOME and rewarding it was to go as a family and sere others. Now we are at Bella's first Christmas. Not only is it her first Christmas, but she just started full-on crawling (not army crawling) and her bottom two teeth have broken through the skin. WOW! What an amazing year we have had! All because a baby changes everything. I'm not speaking of Bella, although she has changed the dynamics of our family and we absolutely LOVE it! I am talking about baby Jesus. So on this Christmas Day let's not forget the most important present, gift, and first that we have. Let us remember that the first Christmas was when Jesus was born. Let us not forget that if weren't for Jesus we wouldn't have any of the gifts or blessings that we have in our lives. Jesus came into this world for us and I consider that the greatest gift of all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:11
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
5th Grade Assignment
Wouldn't this be great if it was taught in every school.
A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in 20 ways to communicate ideas about God.
Here are some of the results: scroll down.
God is like.
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.
God is like.
A FORD
He's got a better idea..
God is like.
COKE
He's the real thing.
(This is great)
God is like.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.
God is like.
TIDE
He gets the stains out others leave behind. ..
God is like.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.
God is like.WAL-MART
He has everything.
God is like.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him
God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.
God is like..
DELTA
He's ready when you are.
God is like.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.
God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray ;
He holds through all kinds of weather
God is like.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?(that one is my favorite)
God is like .
The U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him fromHis appointed destination.
God is like.
Chevrolet. . . .the heart beat of AmericaGod is like
Maxwell House. ... .
Good to the very last drop
God is like.
B o u n t y . . . ..
He is the quicker picker upper. . Can handle the tough jobs. ..
Thursday, November 19, 2009
God is SO awesome!
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
I don't want to raise successful children. That's a shocking thing to read, and a shocking thing for a mother to type. So, let me clarify.
I used to define success according to my child's report card. Good grades and academic achievement would surely equal a good child with great potential in this world. But then several of my children wound up being average students with average grades. Though we carted them off to tutors and spent many a late night at the kitchen table helping them, they remained average. And I remained concerned and frustrated.
One report card day I found myself facedown in the fibers of my carpet crying and wonderi ng, "Where have I gone wrong as a mom?"
I dug into Scriptures. I begged God for wisdom and discernment. I prayed for God's perspective with each of my kids. Finally, one day it dawned on me - what if I simply chose to embrace the natural bent of each of my kids as God's way to protect them and keep them on the path toward His best plans for their lives?
What if my A student needs academic success to prepare her for God's plans while my average to below-average student needs to be steered away from a more academic future? What if my sports star kid needs that athletic excellence for his future assignments by God, but my benchwarmer kid is being protected from getting off course by her lack in this area?
And that's when it finally dawned on me. My job isn't to push success for my kids. My job as a parent is to recognize the unique way God created each child and point them to Jesus at every turn along their journey toward adulthood. Yes, I wan t my kids to learn and thrive and grow up educated, but it's not a flaw in me or them if they don't have straight A report cards and trophy cases full of sports medals.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (NIV).
I am challenged to ponder these words, "… in the way he should go." Are we training our kids that the "way he should go" is to chase worldly achievement or to chase God? Whatever they learn to chase as a child, they will chase as adults. Therefore, we must be challenged to honestly assess the way we are pointing them to go.
My daughter, Hope, is one of my average students. She has also warmed many a bench in the sports she's tried, and can always be found hiding on the back row of the stage during school concerts. Using the world's benchmarks for achievement, Hope wouldn't be seen as a child positioned for success. But God…
This past January, my 15 year old Hope, shocked me when she announced she wanted to go to Ethiopia with some missionary friends of ours and live in the remote African bush for the summer. Yes, she may not have trophies and straight A report cards but she does have a heart of gold. And because she's not entrenched in sports and academic pursuits that could have created obligations for her summer, she was free to go to Africa. Free to chase God in a really big way.
One of the first e-mails she sent me from Ethiopia read, "Mom, I've fallen in love with the AIDS orphanage children. They rushed at me when I held my arms out and I tried with all my might to hold all 30 of them at once. I love it here."
Now, don't get me wrong. I do expect Hope to return to her studies this fall, give 100% effort, and finish her high school career having done her very best. She will most likely then go to college. But she probably won't be delivering the valedictorian address or wearing the honors cords and medals. She'll be the on e with a vision of a dying AIDS orphan pressing against her heart ready to chase God's plans to the ends of the earth.
So back to my original statement, I don't want to raise successful children. It's true, I don't. Though Hope's sister coming behind her is an A student and can always be found on the front row of school performances - we don't chase after success for her either. I trust God that she needs those things in her life for the plans He's unfolding in her life. We train with that bent in mind. But, we don't chase it. Just like Hope, we point her in the direction of God at every turn and pray like crazy.
I stand by what I said and I'll say it again, I don't want to raise successful children. Because--- raising God-honoring adults who will set the world on fire for Christ is just so much more rewarding.
Dear Lord, being a mom is a really tough job. Please help me, teach me and show me how to define success for my kids. In J esus' Name, Amen.
I don't want to raise successful children. That's a shocking thing to read, and a shocking thing for a mother to type. So, let me clarify.
I used to define success according to my child's report card. Good grades and academic achievement would surely equal a good child with great potential in this world. But then several of my children wound up being average students with average grades. Though we carted them off to tutors and spent many a late night at the kitchen table helping them, they remained average. And I remained concerned and frustrated.
One report card day I found myself facedown in the fibers of my carpet crying and wonderi ng, "Where have I gone wrong as a mom?"
I dug into Scriptures. I begged God for wisdom and discernment. I prayed for God's perspective with each of my kids. Finally, one day it dawned on me - what if I simply chose to embrace the natural bent of each of my kids as God's way to protect them and keep them on the path toward His best plans for their lives?
What if my A student needs academic success to prepare her for God's plans while my average to below-average student needs to be steered away from a more academic future? What if my sports star kid needs that athletic excellence for his future assignments by God, but my benchwarmer kid is being protected from getting off course by her lack in this area?
And that's when it finally dawned on me. My job isn't to push success for my kids. My job as a parent is to recognize the unique way God created each child and point them to Jesus at every turn along their journey toward adulthood. Yes, I wan t my kids to learn and thrive and grow up educated, but it's not a flaw in me or them if they don't have straight A report cards and trophy cases full of sports medals.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (NIV).
I am challenged to ponder these words, "… in the way he should go." Are we training our kids that the "way he should go" is to chase worldly achievement or to chase God? Whatever they learn to chase as a child, they will chase as adults. Therefore, we must be challenged to honestly assess the way we are pointing them to go.
My daughter, Hope, is one of my average students. She has also warmed many a bench in the sports she's tried, and can always be found hiding on the back row of the stage during school concerts. Using the world's benchmarks for achievement, Hope wouldn't be seen as a child positioned for success. But God…
This past January, my 15 year old Hope, shocked me when she announced she wanted to go to Ethiopia with some missionary friends of ours and live in the remote African bush for the summer. Yes, she may not have trophies and straight A report cards but she does have a heart of gold. And because she's not entrenched in sports and academic pursuits that could have created obligations for her summer, she was free to go to Africa. Free to chase God in a really big way.
One of the first e-mails she sent me from Ethiopia read, "Mom, I've fallen in love with the AIDS orphanage children. They rushed at me when I held my arms out and I tried with all my might to hold all 30 of them at once. I love it here."
Now, don't get me wrong. I do expect Hope to return to her studies this fall, give 100% effort, and finish her high school career having done her very best. She will most likely then go to college. But she probably won't be delivering the valedictorian address or wearing the honors cords and medals. She'll be the on e with a vision of a dying AIDS orphan pressing against her heart ready to chase God's plans to the ends of the earth.
So back to my original statement, I don't want to raise successful children. It's true, I don't. Though Hope's sister coming behind her is an A student and can always be found on the front row of school performances - we don't chase after success for her either. I trust God that she needs those things in her life for the plans He's unfolding in her life. We train with that bent in mind. But, we don't chase it. Just like Hope, we point her in the direction of God at every turn and pray like crazy.
I stand by what I said and I'll say it again, I don't want to raise successful children. Because--- raising God-honoring adults who will set the world on fire for Christ is just so much more rewarding.
Dear Lord, being a mom is a really tough job. Please help me, teach me and show me how to define success for my kids. In J esus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
God ALWAYS sends us what we need!
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" James 4:1 (NIV)
Our verse for today gets to the root of why my husband and I get in arguments: the desires that battle within me. Desires I wish weren't there. Desires that are ugly and selfish and petty. Desires that motivate me to seek my own way. Desires that battle within me, then spill over into my actions.
There is a battle raging within each of us. It is a battle between flesh and Spirit, between reaching out and focusing inward, between living for Christ and living for ourselves. How can we find victory in these battles without claiming more casualties? I have found there are several ways:
Praying: James 4:2 goe s on to say, "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." James is telling us how to avoid fights. Take our unmet needs, desires, expectations and complaints to God. We don't need to expect our husbands, children, neighbors, co-workers or friends to fulfill our every need.
Walking in truth: It's easy to believe the lies of the enemy or our flesh: If you were only married to someone else, you'd have a better life. If he would clean up after himself, you wouldn't have so much work to do. No one around here appreciates you. The lies escalate the battles. We spiral quickly into feelings of self-pity and anger. Instead we can learn to recognize those lies and refocus on Truth—God's Truth. We can go to His Word and read what He has to say about the people we love and the position we are in. Psalm 26:2-3 says, "Test me, O Lord, and try m e, examine my heart and my mind, for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."
Taking each thought captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5b tells us that we are to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." There are two action verbs in this statement: take and make. These are strong words that indicate effort. It's not something we can sit back and hope will happen. It's something we have to be intentional and insistent about. When our thoughts start wandering down those dangerous "if only" paths, we can instead find a fork in the road and change direction, remembering who Christ is and how He lived His life on earth—as a loving, humble servant.
Being silent: I have often regretted my speech. In the heat of battles, I've found it is almost always better to walk away and pray. If I feel I have been wronged then I need to ask my Father to defend me. If I feel that battle still waging inside me th en I know it's time to ask Him to quiet my heart. Being silent is hard work! But I know that my silence is not as likely as my angry words to hurt the people I care about. Proverbs 17:28 says, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
When the battles rage within us, we can change the results and stop the arguments that ensue. It's up to us to pause and choose a different reaction. I hope these things will help us today as we rise to the challenge!
Dear Lord, please help me to remember to pray, to walk in truth, to take each thought captive and to be silent. Help me honor You when the battles rage inside me. I don't want to fight with the people I love and I need You to help me with that. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Our verse for today gets to the root of why my husband and I get in arguments: the desires that battle within me. Desires I wish weren't there. Desires that are ugly and selfish and petty. Desires that motivate me to seek my own way. Desires that battle within me, then spill over into my actions.
There is a battle raging within each of us. It is a battle between flesh and Spirit, between reaching out and focusing inward, between living for Christ and living for ourselves. How can we find victory in these battles without claiming more casualties? I have found there are several ways:
Praying: James 4:2 goe s on to say, "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." James is telling us how to avoid fights. Take our unmet needs, desires, expectations and complaints to God. We don't need to expect our husbands, children, neighbors, co-workers or friends to fulfill our every need.
Walking in truth: It's easy to believe the lies of the enemy or our flesh: If you were only married to someone else, you'd have a better life. If he would clean up after himself, you wouldn't have so much work to do. No one around here appreciates you. The lies escalate the battles. We spiral quickly into feelings of self-pity and anger. Instead we can learn to recognize those lies and refocus on Truth—God's Truth. We can go to His Word and read what He has to say about the people we love and the position we are in. Psalm 26:2-3 says, "Test me, O Lord, and try m e, examine my heart and my mind, for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth."
Taking each thought captive: 2 Corinthians 10:5b tells us that we are to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." There are two action verbs in this statement: take and make. These are strong words that indicate effort. It's not something we can sit back and hope will happen. It's something we have to be intentional and insistent about. When our thoughts start wandering down those dangerous "if only" paths, we can instead find a fork in the road and change direction, remembering who Christ is and how He lived His life on earth—as a loving, humble servant.
Being silent: I have often regretted my speech. In the heat of battles, I've found it is almost always better to walk away and pray. If I feel I have been wronged then I need to ask my Father to defend me. If I feel that battle still waging inside me th en I know it's time to ask Him to quiet my heart. Being silent is hard work! But I know that my silence is not as likely as my angry words to hurt the people I care about. Proverbs 17:28 says, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
When the battles rage within us, we can change the results and stop the arguments that ensue. It's up to us to pause and choose a different reaction. I hope these things will help us today as we rise to the challenge!
Dear Lord, please help me to remember to pray, to walk in truth, to take each thought captive and to be silent. Help me honor You when the battles rage inside me. I don't want to fight with the people I love and I need You to help me with that. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I needed this today!
"You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge." Psalm 14:6 (NIV)
When I read today's key verse, I thought about the people who contributed to the financial mess within our country this past year. These people lined their own pockets without concern for the ramifications of their choices. They knowingly deceived those who trusted them. They covered themselves, while leaving others exposed in the process. They were like the evildoers who frustrated the plans of the poor. Sadly, lot of us were left feeling poor - financially and spiritually - as our plans were frustrated.
Thankfully, this is not where the verse ends. Yes, bad things happen. Yes, we have all seen our private finances affected by this public crisis. Bu t this verse reminds us that the Lord is our refuge. I started thinking about what the word refuge means, and found this definition in Webster's 1828 Dictionary: "That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy."
Then I cross-referenced the word "refuge" in the Bible. I found many other scriptures that remind us that God is our refuge. Second Samuel 22:2-4 and Psalm 18:2-3 are the same verses repeated by King David while facing troubled times:
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior - from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of my praise, and I am saved from my enemies."
I love how both the definition and the verse talk about a refuge being a place wh ere your enemies can't get to you! Do you need that reminder today? I know sometimes I need to remember that He offers me that safe place I can run to … a place where my enemies can't touch me!
We can claim the promise that is found in Psalm 17:14: "O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world, whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children."
People who make money their god receive their reward in this life. But they will spend eternity in longing. That doesn't sound like a good trade to me!
God promises those who place their trust in Him He will keep from going hungry. He will make sure our children have plenty, and He will give us wealth to store up for our children. That doesn't mean wealth like our world defines it. Jesus said that He doesn't give as the world gives. In God's economy, wealth exists in hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. Unlike money, these are the things that last, and bring about eternal blessings.
Do you need to take refuge in God instead of letting bad news rule your heart and mind? Do you need to spend time today searching His Word for promises and assurances that will comfort your hurting heart and settle your anxious mind? Maybe you need to journal your feelings, pouring out your heart to God and seeking His answers. Maybe you need to pray without ceasing, allowing His presence to give you rest from worry. Whatever troubles you, seek refuge in God.
He is right there waiting for you to find shelter and safety in Him.
Dear Lord, I need You to be my refuge. Thank You that Your Word promises You will be a refuge for me in times of trouble. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
When I read today's key verse, I thought about the people who contributed to the financial mess within our country this past year. These people lined their own pockets without concern for the ramifications of their choices. They knowingly deceived those who trusted them. They covered themselves, while leaving others exposed in the process. They were like the evildoers who frustrated the plans of the poor. Sadly, lot of us were left feeling poor - financially and spiritually - as our plans were frustrated.
Thankfully, this is not where the verse ends. Yes, bad things happen. Yes, we have all seen our private finances affected by this public crisis. Bu t this verse reminds us that the Lord is our refuge. I started thinking about what the word refuge means, and found this definition in Webster's 1828 Dictionary: "That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy."
Then I cross-referenced the word "refuge" in the Bible. I found many other scriptures that remind us that God is our refuge. Second Samuel 22:2-4 and Psalm 18:2-3 are the same verses repeated by King David while facing troubled times:
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior - from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of my praise, and I am saved from my enemies."
I love how both the definition and the verse talk about a refuge being a place wh ere your enemies can't get to you! Do you need that reminder today? I know sometimes I need to remember that He offers me that safe place I can run to … a place where my enemies can't touch me!
We can claim the promise that is found in Psalm 17:14: "O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world, whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children."
People who make money their god receive their reward in this life. But they will spend eternity in longing. That doesn't sound like a good trade to me!
God promises those who place their trust in Him He will keep from going hungry. He will make sure our children have plenty, and He will give us wealth to store up for our children. That doesn't mean wealth like our world defines it. Jesus said that He doesn't give as the world gives. In God's economy, wealth exists in hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. Unlike money, these are the things that last, and bring about eternal blessings.
Do you need to take refuge in God instead of letting bad news rule your heart and mind? Do you need to spend time today searching His Word for promises and assurances that will comfort your hurting heart and settle your anxious mind? Maybe you need to journal your feelings, pouring out your heart to God and seeking His answers. Maybe you need to pray without ceasing, allowing His presence to give you rest from worry. Whatever troubles you, seek refuge in God.
He is right there waiting for you to find shelter and safety in Him.
Dear Lord, I need You to be my refuge. Thank You that Your Word promises You will be a refuge for me in times of trouble. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Bella's 6 month check-up
Today we took Bella to the doctor for her 6 month check-up. She is doing GREAT! She weighs 16lbs 9oz and is 26in long. For all of you peeps out there that like to make the joke that we need to feed our baby I would like to tell you that she has FINALLY caught up to the 50th percentile! I know she is a chunker-butt, but she is still on the smaller side!
When it rains, it rains
Well, today was not the most wonderful of days. Aaron and I were planning on spending the day hanging out with Bella and going to Harvest Homecoming. Big pooper on those plans thanks to the 25 million inches of rain we have had. So I got up this morning thankful that I was able to sleep in until 6:30 when I woke G up to get in the shower. Finally got him ready and out the door when he tells me that no one is at the bus stop. So I told him to come back in and I would take him to school since I thought he missed the bus. Turned on the news and...what is that? School closings and delays...WHAT?!?!?! Yep, G was on a 2 hour delay. How exactly is that going to work when the bus won't come until 9:30 and we have to be in NA for Bella's doctor's appointment at 9:00. Well, it all became clear to me after Garrett spent the next hour in the bathroom. Yep, he went with us to the doctor. So we were running a few minutes late, and if you know my son he is not the fastest person in the world. Lighting a flame under him is like trying to burn wet wood. Anyhow, we were running a few minutes behind when Bella pukes all over herself. AND she was already in the car seat. So, out she goes to change and get cleaned off. Finally get her cleaned up and ready to go when I decide to call the doctor's office to let them know we are running a bit behind due to G being in the bathroom and Bella puking when they tell me that they won't be able to see her today since we will be late. EXCUSE ME? WHAT! How many times do you go to the doctor and wait forever and they won't see you if you are running late. I understand that they are trying to keep a tight schedule, but come on. Life happens people. It's not like I was laying around eating bon bons all morning instead of trying to get out the door! I was furious! Well, we finally got there 15 minutes late and they saw her. They gave her 3 shots and said she looks great. YEA! When I left I was getting dirty looks by the lady who made our next appointment for us. I think if looks could kill I would be dead. BUT the kicker is this...she kept telling me how busy they were and blah blah blah and when we got there....there was NO ONE in the office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So then we had 15 million errands to run and didn't even get them all finished. And why is it that when you are having a not so fabulous day that everyone in the world knows it and decides to hate on you as well? I don't know, maybe they don't really hate you but you are having such a crappy day that it feels like they all hate you. I would have been so happy to stay home today and chill with my fam....I wish we had more of that. Maybe that is why I was so blah today. Maybe it was the rain. I needed to vent about all of this raining crudioca. I try to be a very positive person, but I think I was on the cloudy side of the rainbow today...not hard to do with all of the rain that we've had!
So then we had 15 million errands to run and didn't even get them all finished. And why is it that when you are having a not so fabulous day that everyone in the world knows it and decides to hate on you as well? I don't know, maybe they don't really hate you but you are having such a crappy day that it feels like they all hate you. I would have been so happy to stay home today and chill with my fam....I wish we had more of that. Maybe that is why I was so blah today. Maybe it was the rain. I needed to vent about all of this raining crudioca. I try to be a very positive person, but I think I was on the cloudy side of the rainbow today...not hard to do with all of the rain that we've had!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life." Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)
Dear Lord, help me to keep laughing about all the changes in my body as I age, but help me to take inner change seriously. I truly want to grow older and godlier instead of older and grouchier. In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Morning Prayer
"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
It is very early in the morning. Not many people are stirring yet.
Though my body begs me just to roll over and go back to sleep, my soul is stirring to get up and go sit with Jesus.
Though I can't physically see Him, I know He is present.
I decide to open my Bible to the Psalms and use the verses I read as prayers to start my day.
And the more I pray those verses out loud the less I hear all the nagging things of the world. A beautiful melody of truth starts to rise up and suddenly my worries fade in the light of God's truth.
His perspective on things that are troubling me starts to over shadow my anxiety. Like shade on a hot summer's day, I feel relief in His presence.
I know that He is preparing me for what I will need throughout this day. He is already standing in every minute of my day and He sees what I will face. So, He's equipping me to be able to handle what is ahead of me with His gentle boldness, quiet strength, and loving grace.
In Psalm 81:10b, God instructs me, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." He will give me what to say today. What to say in happy moments. What to say in aggravating moments. What to say in moments where I feel insecure and what to say when I feel completely confident. What to say in disappointing moments. What to say in response to questions.
He also reminds me that sometimes it is good to keep my mouth closed and say nothing at all.
All the words that rumble about in my brain and those that will proceed out of my mouth, Lord, You be the author of those.
Psalm 84:1 reminds me that G od's dwelling place is lovely. So, I ask God to dwell in me richly. I want Him to be what radiates about me. I want Him to be my pretty today.
Not my hair. Not my outfit. Not my efforts. But simply Him and His spirit dancing invisibly about me... shifting a wrong attitude, guarding my words, and whispering constant truths into my heart.
Psalm 86:11 is what I ask the Lord to give me. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart..."
Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the truth and not my feelings.
Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.
Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity...rather than a personal inconvenience.
And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13a, "Great is your love toward me."
You already see all the many ways I will surely fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all.
Have mercy, that's amazing.
But what's most amazing is that the God of the Universe, the Savior of the world, would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this.
Dear Lord, I love You. All that I have read here is the desire of my heart. I know and confess that sometimes my actions and reactions betray my love for You. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your grace that is able to recognize this new day as a new chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
It is very early in the morning. Not many people are stirring yet.
Though my body begs me just to roll over and go back to sleep, my soul is stirring to get up and go sit with Jesus.
Though I can't physically see Him, I know He is present.
I decide to open my Bible to the Psalms and use the verses I read as prayers to start my day.
And the more I pray those verses out loud the less I hear all the nagging things of the world. A beautiful melody of truth starts to rise up and suddenly my worries fade in the light of God's truth.
His perspective on things that are troubling me starts to over shadow my anxiety. Like shade on a hot summer's day, I feel relief in His presence.
I know that He is preparing me for what I will need throughout this day. He is already standing in every minute of my day and He sees what I will face. So, He's equipping me to be able to handle what is ahead of me with His gentle boldness, quiet strength, and loving grace.
In Psalm 81:10b, God instructs me, "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." He will give me what to say today. What to say in happy moments. What to say in aggravating moments. What to say in moments where I feel insecure and what to say when I feel completely confident. What to say in disappointing moments. What to say in response to questions.
He also reminds me that sometimes it is good to keep my mouth closed and say nothing at all.
All the words that rumble about in my brain and those that will proceed out of my mouth, Lord, You be the author of those.
Psalm 84:1 reminds me that G od's dwelling place is lovely. So, I ask God to dwell in me richly. I want Him to be what radiates about me. I want Him to be my pretty today.
Not my hair. Not my outfit. Not my efforts. But simply Him and His spirit dancing invisibly about me... shifting a wrong attitude, guarding my words, and whispering constant truths into my heart.
Psalm 86:11 is what I ask the Lord to give me. "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart..."
Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the truth and not my feelings.
Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.
Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity...rather than a personal inconvenience.
And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13a, "Great is your love toward me."
You already see all the many ways I will surely fall short and mess up. But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not based on my performance. You love me warts and all.
Have mercy, that's amazing.
But what's most amazing is that the God of the Universe, the Savior of the world, would desire a few minutes with me this morning. Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You like this.
Dear Lord, I love You. All that I have read here is the desire of my heart. I know and confess that sometimes my actions and reactions betray my love for You. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your grace that is able to recognize this new day as a new chance to walk closer with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
One month later...
Well, I haven't been on in awhile because I have been busy AND I thought I lost the memory card to our camera so I thought I lost all of the pics! BUT, I found it YESTERDAY! WOO HOO!
So, even though Garrett has been in school for a month tomorrow and Bella will be 5 months old tomorrow here are their first day of school and 4 month old pics. =)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Awesome!
"'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.'" Psalm 91:14 (NIV)
When I was a child, my sister and I would set out on our bikes early Saturday morning. No helmet, cell phone, sunscreen or water bottle accompanied us. We might be gone for hours without communicating with our mother. Now as an adult, I wonder how I survived my childhood.
Those days are long gone for most children. The carefree days of yesterday have been replaced by vigilant protection and numerous warnings. Sadly, it seems our children have more to fear than we did 20 years ago. If not more to fear, then at least we are more aware of the dangers facing children. Consequently, many kids struggle with anxiety and fear.
There was a time when my youngest son Robbie struggled with fear. Nothing traumatic happened to him as a young child. It' s just he has always been more sensitive than his siblings. Perhaps having two older brothers, Robbie was incorporated into games or television shows slightly above his maturity level. It's hard to pinpoint the reason for the fear, but when he was younger it manifested itself mostly at night. Robbie consistently had trouble falling asleep, and then would awake with bad dreams. It was a difficult cycle.
Being a fear-inclined person myself, I knew no amount of my reassurances would really help Robbie. And as he got older, Robbie knew my ability to protect him was limited. So night after night, I was startled awake by a shake on the shoulder and whisper in my ear, "Mommy, I can't sleep." I knew I had to do something to help Robbie rest easy, and for me to get some sleep.
We did two things to help Robbie deal with the night fears. The first was to personalize Psalm 91:14-16:
"'Because (Robbie) loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect (Robbie), fo r he acknowledges my name. (Robbie) will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with (Robbie) in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy (Robbie) and show him my salvation.'"
I wrote it on a 3"x5" note card, which he kept by his bed. Reading that Scripture at night reminded Robbie to place his trust in the One who could protect him in times of trouble.
Second, we specifically prayed for God to protect Robbie from bad dreams. This is a nightly habit we developed over 10 years ago, and continue to this day. Every night I hold the hand of my now 14-year-old son, and pray the prayer I started praying so many years before. We can both testify to God's amazing faithfulness to protect Robbie even in his dreams.
The times I have struggled most with fear are the times I have placed my trust in someone or something other than God. It is my prayer as a mother, that my children will learn at an early age there is One in whom they c an trust, and who is ready and able at the breath of a prayer to intercede on their behalf.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to answer my prayers. I know only you are powerful enough to protect me and my children in every circumstance. Please guide me and give me wisdom as I deal with fear in my own life, and in the lives of those I love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
When I was a child, my sister and I would set out on our bikes early Saturday morning. No helmet, cell phone, sunscreen or water bottle accompanied us. We might be gone for hours without communicating with our mother. Now as an adult, I wonder how I survived my childhood.
Those days are long gone for most children. The carefree days of yesterday have been replaced by vigilant protection and numerous warnings. Sadly, it seems our children have more to fear than we did 20 years ago. If not more to fear, then at least we are more aware of the dangers facing children. Consequently, many kids struggle with anxiety and fear.
There was a time when my youngest son Robbie struggled with fear. Nothing traumatic happened to him as a young child. It' s just he has always been more sensitive than his siblings. Perhaps having two older brothers, Robbie was incorporated into games or television shows slightly above his maturity level. It's hard to pinpoint the reason for the fear, but when he was younger it manifested itself mostly at night. Robbie consistently had trouble falling asleep, and then would awake with bad dreams. It was a difficult cycle.
Being a fear-inclined person myself, I knew no amount of my reassurances would really help Robbie. And as he got older, Robbie knew my ability to protect him was limited. So night after night, I was startled awake by a shake on the shoulder and whisper in my ear, "Mommy, I can't sleep." I knew I had to do something to help Robbie rest easy, and for me to get some sleep.
We did two things to help Robbie deal with the night fears. The first was to personalize Psalm 91:14-16:
"'Because (Robbie) loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect (Robbie), fo r he acknowledges my name. (Robbie) will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with (Robbie) in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy (Robbie) and show him my salvation.'"
I wrote it on a 3"x5" note card, which he kept by his bed. Reading that Scripture at night reminded Robbie to place his trust in the One who could protect him in times of trouble.
Second, we specifically prayed for God to protect Robbie from bad dreams. This is a nightly habit we developed over 10 years ago, and continue to this day. Every night I hold the hand of my now 14-year-old son, and pray the prayer I started praying so many years before. We can both testify to God's amazing faithfulness to protect Robbie even in his dreams.
The times I have struggled most with fear are the times I have placed my trust in someone or something other than God. It is my prayer as a mother, that my children will learn at an early age there is One in whom they c an trust, and who is ready and able at the breath of a prayer to intercede on their behalf.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to answer my prayers. I know only you are powerful enough to protect me and my children in every circumstance. Please guide me and give me wisdom as I deal with fear in my own life, and in the lives of those I love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Day CRAZINESS!!!!!!!
Well, today was my first day back to work. I must say it started out okay. I did well when we dropped Bella off at the sitter's house. Bella was happy and smiling like she had been going there every day. I didn't cry (believe it or not). I welled up with tears, but refused to let my emotions get the best of me. Went to our opening meeting and all was well. Got to school and did a few things then went to lunch with the teachers. While we were at lunch I got a call from Aaron saying that dad had driven himself to the ER for chest pains. WHAT? Well, at least this time he didn't drive himself with blurred vision. He is a stubborn ole cuss. So naturally I freaked out and left school. Went to the ER and he was doing okay. Stayed there with him for most of the afternoon until the doctor came in and said it wasn't his heart but that they were going to keep him overnight for observations. Since I had so much work to do in my classroom I left and went back to school. I stopped and got some food on the way back (around 4:30) since I hadn't had a chance to eat ALL day! After I got back to school, ate, and found out what I had missed that afternoon I finally lost it. I had a HUGE melt down! I was crying like a baby about how overwhelmed I was/am about everything. My room isn't ready, Bella is going to the sitters now, and dad was in the hospital. What a great and memorable day!
Let's hope and pray for a better day tomorrow! A wonderful fun-filled day of meetings, trying to get my room ready, and open house tomorrow night. WOO HOO! Hoping this isn't a sign of how my 2009-2010 school year is going to be.
Let's hope and pray for a better day tomorrow! A wonderful fun-filled day of meetings, trying to get my room ready, and open house tomorrow night. WOO HOO! Hoping this isn't a sign of how my 2009-2010 school year is going to be.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bella's 4 month check-up
We took Bella to the doctor yesterday for her 4 month check-up. She won't actually be 4 months until next Wednesday (August 12th), but I go back to work on Monday (BOO!) so I wanted to get her in before that. The doctor said she looks GREAT! She STILL has thrush! That has been over 3 months! We were almost completely rid of it when it came back full force last week. So we are on round 4 of meds. Fun, fun! She weighs 13lbs 15ozs and is 23inches long. That is GREAT considering how small she was when she was born. She was barely on the growth chart when she was born and now she is in the 50th percentile! Well, except for height, but she has super short mom so I don't think she is going to be a giant or anything. Sorry Bella! AND she did great with her shots. Nothing like last time. I was so thankful. I think the extra meat on her chubby little thighs helped the shots not hurt so much.
More shots at her 6 month check-up in October. Fun, FUN!
More shots at her 6 month check-up in October. Fun, FUN!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Here is a copy of the ObamaCare health plan. You better read it because you will be forced to live with it!
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AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Lou Pritchett is one of corporate America 's true living legends-
an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers.
Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management.
Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering."
Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble
and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.
AN OPEN LETTER TO
PRESIDENT OBAMA
Dear President Obama:
You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike
any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because... after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because... I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because... you did not spend the formative years of youth
growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because... you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because... you have never had military experience,
thus don't understand it at its core.
You scare me because you... lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.
You scare me because... for over half your life you have aligned yourself
with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly
denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because... you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America '
crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because... you want to change America to a European style
country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because... you want to replace our health care system with
a government controlled one.
You scare me because... you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing
on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because... you want to kill the American capitalist goose that
lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because... you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against
certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because... your own political party shrinks from challenging
you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because... you will not openly listen to or even consider
opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because... you falsely believe that you are both
omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because... the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because... you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs,
Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because... you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because... if you serve a second term I will probably not
feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
TRUE - CHECK: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/youscareme.asp
This letter was sent to the NY Times but they never acknowledged it.
Big surprise.
Since it hit the internet, however, it has had over 500,000 hits.
Please...Keep it going.
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing.
It's happening right now.
an acclaimed author, dynamic teacher and one of the world's highest rated speakers.
Successful corporate executives everywhere recognize him as the foremost leader in change management.
Lou changed the way America does business by creating an audacious concept that came to be known as "partnering."
Pritchett rose from soap salesman to Vice-President, Sales and Customer Development for Procter and Gamble
and over the course of 36 years, made corporate history.
AN OPEN LETTER TO
PRESIDENT OBAMA
Dear President Obama:
You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike
any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because... after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because... I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because... you did not spend the formative years of youth
growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because... you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because... you have never had military experience,
thus don't understand it at its core.
You scare me because you... lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.
You scare me because... for over half your life you have aligned yourself
with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly
denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because... you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America '
crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because... you want to change America to a European style
country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because... you want to replace our health care system with
a government controlled one.
You scare me because... you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing
on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because... you want to kill the American capitalist goose that
lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because... you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against
certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because... your own political party shrinks from challenging
you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because... you will not openly listen to or even consider
opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because... you falsely believe that you are both
omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because... the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because... you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs,
Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because... you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because... if you serve a second term I will probably not
feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
TRUE - CHECK: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/youscareme.asp
This letter was sent to the NY Times but they never acknowledged it.
Big surprise.
Since it hit the internet, however, it has had over 500,000 hits.
Please...Keep it going.
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing.
It's happening right now.
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