This is something that I think of at least once every other day and have found very challenging and encouraging.
Nancy Wilson once explained Deut 14:21b "Do not cook a young goat in it's mother's milk." She said that the mother's milk was meant to be a source of nourishment and blessing to the baby. This verse says that that blessing should not be turned into a curse for the young goat by cooking him in it. She then makes this application: You as a mother are supposed to be a blessing to your children. You are supposed to bestow blessings on them and be a delight for them to enjoy (much like a mother's milk for her baby). Are you a blessing, or are you turning that blessing into a curse by being a fussy, impatient, grouchy mommy. Ouch. Don't turn the blessing of a mother into a curse for your children. I hope that word picture sticks with you like is has with me.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Scream Savers
I loved this little book. I have even given a few copies as gifts. Sure some of it is common sense, but lets face it...in the middle of a tough afternoon with toddlers sometimes we moms are lacking in common sense! We go into survival mode and need someone to tell us EXACTLY WHAT TO DO. This book is small and easy to read. It has 4 sections: 1. Prescriptions for peace (How to stay on top of things in the first place). 2. Keeping your cool in the heat of the moment (How to get a grip when you are loosing yours). 3. Quiet activities for kids (A little treasure trove of ideas when you need things a little quieter). 4. Mommy moments (Some things that you can enjoy...just for you).
I will give you one tip from this book, and end with a great tip I got from a wise friend...
From the book: You are thankful for your kids. There are times when you get short and impatient with them, but you know that they are wonderful blessings God has given you. Take time to thank Him for them. Jot down the little things you love about each of them and keep that little list in a handy place (or at the very least, keep it in your mind). When you are getting frustrated with them or about to pull your hair out, pull out the list and reset your mind. Give thanks and stop fussing. Just enjoy your kids!
From the wise friend: Teresa Hardin once told me to always remember that I am "TRAINING" my kids. I should not get frustrated when they sin, are mean to each other, are disrespectful, are messy, or are disobedient. I should not be shocked or surprised. After all, they are sinners and then will sin just like I do. My job (and very high calling) is to train them. It is my business. I don't need to take it personally or get my feelings hurt when they sin. I need to see it as God sees it and train them with love and patience.
One more note on that topic. We have to be willing to *SEE* our kids sins. We don't want to pick them apart, but to train them effectively we should pray that God would show us particular sins that our kids are prone to. We should want to see it for what it is and train them to quit doing it. It will be a blessing to them!
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Prov 29:17
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. Prov 19:18
I will give you one tip from this book, and end with a great tip I got from a wise friend...
From the book: You are thankful for your kids. There are times when you get short and impatient with them, but you know that they are wonderful blessings God has given you. Take time to thank Him for them. Jot down the little things you love about each of them and keep that little list in a handy place (or at the very least, keep it in your mind). When you are getting frustrated with them or about to pull your hair out, pull out the list and reset your mind. Give thanks and stop fussing. Just enjoy your kids!
From the wise friend: Teresa Hardin once told me to always remember that I am "TRAINING" my kids. I should not get frustrated when they sin, are mean to each other, are disrespectful, are messy, or are disobedient. I should not be shocked or surprised. After all, they are sinners and then will sin just like I do. My job (and very high calling) is to train them. It is my business. I don't need to take it personally or get my feelings hurt when they sin. I need to see it as God sees it and train them with love and patience.
One more note on that topic. We have to be willing to *SEE* our kids sins. We don't want to pick them apart, but to train them effectively we should pray that God would show us particular sins that our kids are prone to. We should want to see it for what it is and train them to quit doing it. It will be a blessing to them!
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Prov 29:17
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death. Prov 19:18
N.T. Wright on suffering
In his book Reflecting the Glory, N.T. Wright gives us a new perspective on how our suffering shows the glory of God. Good stuff!
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What Paul wants his hearers to grasp is that they already have, in the gospel of Jesus Christ, all the glory they could possibly want. He will shortly explain that in more detail. But we can imagine the Corinthians being very puzzled, just as people today might be very puzzled. Outsiders often look at the church, full of muddle and sin and shame and half-heartedness and back-biting, and clergy who don't know what they are talking about and laity who go wandering off the point, and they say, "Well, if that's all you've got to show for the wonderful message you talk about, you really are a muddled lot. How can you possibly be the body of Christ, the temple of the living God, as you say you are called to be?"
The answer comes again and again in 2 Corinthians. The glory of Christ is not revealed in spectacular show of success, in people who get everything right all the time. People like that, as we know, can sometimes be a pain in the neck. The church reveals the glory of Christ through suffering and shame as much as through what the world counts as success.
~~~~~~
In another article he mentions how Christ is the ultimate revelation of the glory of God and yet He suffered greatly! God's glory is truly revealed in suffering. Even OUR suffering! What a blessed reminder.
~~~~~~~~~~
What Paul wants his hearers to grasp is that they already have, in the gospel of Jesus Christ, all the glory they could possibly want. He will shortly explain that in more detail. But we can imagine the Corinthians being very puzzled, just as people today might be very puzzled. Outsiders often look at the church, full of muddle and sin and shame and half-heartedness and back-biting, and clergy who don't know what they are talking about and laity who go wandering off the point, and they say, "Well, if that's all you've got to show for the wonderful message you talk about, you really are a muddled lot. How can you possibly be the body of Christ, the temple of the living God, as you say you are called to be?"
The answer comes again and again in 2 Corinthians. The glory of Christ is not revealed in spectacular show of success, in people who get everything right all the time. People like that, as we know, can sometimes be a pain in the neck. The church reveals the glory of Christ through suffering and shame as much as through what the world counts as success.
~~~~~~
In another article he mentions how Christ is the ultimate revelation of the glory of God and yet He suffered greatly! God's glory is truly revealed in suffering. Even OUR suffering! What a blessed reminder.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sayers on Christmas
Our pastor introduced us to this quote by Dorothy Sayers and I thought it was definitely worth passing along to you. It has some great things to say about God becoming man and just how amazing and awesome that is!
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The central dogma of the Incarnation is that by which its [that is, Christianity's] relevance stands or falls. If Christ were only man, then he is irrelevant to any thought about God; if he is only God, then he is entirely irrelevant to any experience of human life.
…the outline of the official story—the tale of the time when God was the underdog and got beaten, when he submitted to the conditions he had laid down and became a man like the men he had made, and the men he had made broke him and killed him. This is the dogma we find so dull—this terrifying drama of which God is the victim and the hero.
If this is dull, then what, in Heaven's name, is worthy to be called exciting? The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused him of being a bore; on the contrary, they thought him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him 'meek and mild,' and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies....
For what it [that is, the Incarnation] means is this, among other things: that for whatever reason God chose to make man as he is—limited and suffering and subject to sorrows and death—he had the honesty and the courage to take his own medicine. Whatever game He is playing with His creation, He has kept His own rules and played fair. He can exact nothing from man that He has not exacted from Himself. He has Himself gone through the whole of human experience, from the trivial irritations of family life and the cramping restrictions of hard work and lack of money to the worst horrors of pain and humiliation, defeat, despair, and death. When He was a man, He played the man. He was born in poverty and died in disgrace and thought it well worthwhile....
And here Christianity has its enormous advantage over every other religion in the world. It is the only religion that gives value to evil and suffering.
What do we find God 'doing about' this business of sin and evil?...God did not abolish the fact of evil; He transformed it. He did not stop the Crucifixion; He rose from the dead...
~~~~~~~~
AMEN! God be praised.
~~~~~~~~
The central dogma of the Incarnation is that by which its [that is, Christianity's] relevance stands or falls. If Christ were only man, then he is irrelevant to any thought about God; if he is only God, then he is entirely irrelevant to any experience of human life.
…the outline of the official story—the tale of the time when God was the underdog and got beaten, when he submitted to the conditions he had laid down and became a man like the men he had made, and the men he had made broke him and killed him. This is the dogma we find so dull—this terrifying drama of which God is the victim and the hero.
If this is dull, then what, in Heaven's name, is worthy to be called exciting? The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused him of being a bore; on the contrary, they thought him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him 'meek and mild,' and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies....
For what it [that is, the Incarnation] means is this, among other things: that for whatever reason God chose to make man as he is—limited and suffering and subject to sorrows and death—he had the honesty and the courage to take his own medicine. Whatever game He is playing with His creation, He has kept His own rules and played fair. He can exact nothing from man that He has not exacted from Himself. He has Himself gone through the whole of human experience, from the trivial irritations of family life and the cramping restrictions of hard work and lack of money to the worst horrors of pain and humiliation, defeat, despair, and death. When He was a man, He played the man. He was born in poverty and died in disgrace and thought it well worthwhile....
And here Christianity has its enormous advantage over every other religion in the world. It is the only religion that gives value to evil and suffering.
What do we find God 'doing about' this business of sin and evil?...God did not abolish the fact of evil; He transformed it. He did not stop the Crucifixion; He rose from the dead...
~~~~~~~~
AMEN! God be praised.
Monday, December 17, 2007
We're In!
We are officially settled in our very first house! Granted there are a couple of boxes left filled with things that I just can't find a home for. But, those are in the garage and the rest of the house already feels like home. This quick set up was possible because of my sweet husband who has had kid duty for the last few days so I could work hard at getting things back to normal. What a sweetie! Well, hopefully in the next week or so, I will be in some sort of grove. I hope to have something "meaty" to offer you here on my blog. Meaty food for thought that is...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Move
We'll we start moving into our new house tonight! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I have always wanted a house and this will be our first one. When the dust settles I will try to find something very helpful and edifying to post here! Until then...please say a little prayer for my family that all goes very smoothly with the move. I am particularly trying to make sure that we still take time to enjoy, love on, and train our little boys during this transition.
I will leave you with a funny story...there was a pile of small limbs that had been raked up in the yard of this house. Later when we told the boys that we were going to buy the house they exclaimed, "The house with the sticks?!?" They were so happy that we were buying them all those sticks.
I will leave you with a funny story...there was a pile of small limbs that had been raked up in the yard of this house. Later when we told the boys that we were going to buy the house they exclaimed, "The house with the sticks?!?" They were so happy that we were buying them all those sticks.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sugar Cookies
Here are my little guys making a big Christmas mess! I don't think I will give the ones that they made to anyone. Too much finger licking was going on at their stations!
More Christmas...
I just found another helpful post by Nancy Wilson about Christmas and it got me to thinking... The book I recommended a few posts ago (Unplug the Christmas Machine) has a few things in it I disagree with. Don't get me wrong. I still highly recommend it and have enjoyed this year in a new way as a result of reading it. I just want to point out a few things.
That books makes you want to minimize Christmas a little bit. Mostly in a good way. Don't run yourself ragged and do so much that you and your family can't enjoy the month of December at all. BUT, these Christmas posts have reminded me of how wonderfully LAVISH our celebration should be. We should bestow wonderful gifts on each other during this season. We should feast like no other time of year. We should put up as many lights as we want...afterall the Light of the world has come and He is worth celebrating! But we should do all this with cheerfulness and thankfulness. We should not "fit it all in" grumbling all the while.
Now for a few things from the Unplug book that I liked a lot...it suggested to let the season happen more naturally. That sounds a little hokey, but let me explain. I am sure you have noticed that Christmas decorations start coming out WAY before Halloween! Well, this year I just sort of ignored it all. I did not play the Christmas music, or shop ahead, or plan our holidays months in advance. I enjoyed our kids dressing up for Halloween. We feasted with friends for Thanksgiving and enjoyed the fall colors. Then, on Thanksgiving night I pulled out the Christmas music and got to thinking about all the fun ahead in the next few WEEKS! I enjoyed that it did not build up for months and months. It felt a lot different to enjoy each season as it came. I highly recommend it.
One last interesting thought from the book. It suggests that we have forgotten how to celebrate. Now instead of playing indoor games together, dancing, or going outside for sledding we just watch others do those things. We watch sports or watch movies about times when they did those fun things together. Why don't we do them ourselves anymore? Let's crank up the Christmas music, grab your sweetie or one of your little ones and celebrate the birth of Christ by dancing and breaking a sweat! Let your kids roll out the sugar cookie dough, use the cookie cutters and make a huge mess! They'll love it!
That books makes you want to minimize Christmas a little bit. Mostly in a good way. Don't run yourself ragged and do so much that you and your family can't enjoy the month of December at all. BUT, these Christmas posts have reminded me of how wonderfully LAVISH our celebration should be. We should bestow wonderful gifts on each other during this season. We should feast like no other time of year. We should put up as many lights as we want...afterall the Light of the world has come and He is worth celebrating! But we should do all this with cheerfulness and thankfulness. We should not "fit it all in" grumbling all the while.
Now for a few things from the Unplug book that I liked a lot...it suggested to let the season happen more naturally. That sounds a little hokey, but let me explain. I am sure you have noticed that Christmas decorations start coming out WAY before Halloween! Well, this year I just sort of ignored it all. I did not play the Christmas music, or shop ahead, or plan our holidays months in advance. I enjoyed our kids dressing up for Halloween. We feasted with friends for Thanksgiving and enjoyed the fall colors. Then, on Thanksgiving night I pulled out the Christmas music and got to thinking about all the fun ahead in the next few WEEKS! I enjoyed that it did not build up for months and months. It felt a lot different to enjoy each season as it came. I highly recommend it.
One last interesting thought from the book. It suggests that we have forgotten how to celebrate. Now instead of playing indoor games together, dancing, or going outside for sledding we just watch others do those things. We watch sports or watch movies about times when they did those fun things together. Why don't we do them ourselves anymore? Let's crank up the Christmas music, grab your sweetie or one of your little ones and celebrate the birth of Christ by dancing and breaking a sweat! Let your kids roll out the sugar cookie dough, use the cookie cutters and make a huge mess! They'll love it!
Great Christmas Post
Friday, November 30, 2007
Moving
Jeremy and I have moved 7 times in our 9 1/2 years of marriage. In two weeks we move again, but this time it is into our very first house! We are so excited!
Through these moves I have gleaned from the knowledge of others and ended up with a few helpful tips. Hopefully they will save you some grief during your next move. I will just post a few that I think are really useful (because I need to go do some packing!).
*Buy a different color of post-it for each room. Keep a master list so you keep the colors straight. When you pack a box for a room stick a post-it of the appropriate color on it. When you get to your destination stick tons of the appropriate color by the door to each room. Your moving helpers will be able to look for the color and drop the box in the right room. Make sure to put a piece of clear packing tape over the post-it, but before you do that...
*Write a few key things that are in the box on the post-it. Don't get to detailed and waste time.
*Write a number from 1 -100 on the post-it based on how soon you will need to open that box when you arrive. You can use a number more than once. The idea is to help you prioritize when unpacking...if you go into a room start with the lower numbers and you will find the stuff that you thought you would need soonest. The higher numbers can wait. Now don't forget to put that clear packing tape over the post-it.
*Moving is a GREAT time to clean out and pare down. IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT DON'T MOVE IT! Having extra stuff that you don't care about clutters up your house and your life. You have to take time away from your family to take care of that stuff. Get rid of it. Do this as you are packing and again as you unpack.
*We knew that we were going to be moving a good bit so we bought some Rubbermaid totes a few moves ago. They have been great. They stack away easily when not in use and are great for organizing kids clothes (the clothes not being used right now). They stack up great in a moving van. You get the idea. We still have to round up a few boxes since we have acquired more stuff. But not near as many.
*Use all of your towels, washcloths, blankets, etc. to pad your stuff inside boxes.
*Use paper plates between your breakable plates. When you arrive just stack up the paper plates again and use them to eat on.
*Use tons of paper towels to wrap glasses and other breakables. When you arrive, have a bin to put all the paper towels in. You can use them as you clean for the first few weeks or months and not be out any money!
*Keep a folder of all info about your move. Every time you schedule a utility to be turned on or off print off a confirmation and keep it all together in your folder. Do this with your mail forwarding too.
For more info look at www.flylady.net. She has a whole section devoted to moving here.
Through these moves I have gleaned from the knowledge of others and ended up with a few helpful tips. Hopefully they will save you some grief during your next move. I will just post a few that I think are really useful (because I need to go do some packing!).
*Buy a different color of post-it for each room. Keep a master list so you keep the colors straight. When you pack a box for a room stick a post-it of the appropriate color on it. When you get to your destination stick tons of the appropriate color by the door to each room. Your moving helpers will be able to look for the color and drop the box in the right room. Make sure to put a piece of clear packing tape over the post-it, but before you do that...
*Write a few key things that are in the box on the post-it. Don't get to detailed and waste time.
*Write a number from 1 -100 on the post-it based on how soon you will need to open that box when you arrive. You can use a number more than once. The idea is to help you prioritize when unpacking...if you go into a room start with the lower numbers and you will find the stuff that you thought you would need soonest. The higher numbers can wait. Now don't forget to put that clear packing tape over the post-it.
*Moving is a GREAT time to clean out and pare down. IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT DON'T MOVE IT! Having extra stuff that you don't care about clutters up your house and your life. You have to take time away from your family to take care of that stuff. Get rid of it. Do this as you are packing and again as you unpack.
*We knew that we were going to be moving a good bit so we bought some Rubbermaid totes a few moves ago. They have been great. They stack away easily when not in use and are great for organizing kids clothes (the clothes not being used right now). They stack up great in a moving van. You get the idea. We still have to round up a few boxes since we have acquired more stuff. But not near as many.
*Use all of your towels, washcloths, blankets, etc. to pad your stuff inside boxes.
*Use paper plates between your breakable plates. When you arrive just stack up the paper plates again and use them to eat on.
*Use tons of paper towels to wrap glasses and other breakables. When you arrive, have a bin to put all the paper towels in. You can use them as you clean for the first few weeks or months and not be out any money!
*Keep a folder of all info about your move. Every time you schedule a utility to be turned on or off print off a confirmation and keep it all together in your folder. Do this with your mail forwarding too.
For more info look at www.flylady.net. She has a whole section devoted to moving here.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Great Quote
Well, this is straight from someone else's blog, but I did not want to risk you missing it by only putting the link. This describes the kind of woman I want to be...
William Wilberforce writing about his wife:
“I believe her to be a real Christian,” he wrote, “affectionate, sensible, rational in habits, moderate in desires and pursuits, capable of bearing prosperity without intoxication, and adversity without repining.”
William Wilberforce writing about his wife:
“I believe her to be a real Christian,” he wrote, “affectionate, sensible, rational in habits, moderate in desires and pursuits, capable of bearing prosperity without intoxication, and adversity without repining.”
Friday, November 23, 2007
Favorite Christmas Books...
Well, these are my favorite Christmas books having to do with the warm and fuzzy side of Christmas. I will have to have another post at another time to mention books about the theology of Christmas.
Book Recommendation #1: Unplug the Christmas Machine. I first heard about this book in the Complete Tightwad Gazette (another favorite book of mine). It is a great book about how to really enjoy the season and do what is most important to you and your family. It has a lot of very practical suggestions and even a few recipes. You can get a used copy for $2.50 plus shipping on Amazon. It will change the way you think about the season.
Book Recommendation #2: The Twelve Blessings of Christmas. This is one of those coffee table books that is inpsiring just to look at. But, it is more than just pretty artwork. It has some really fun ideas and yummy simple recipes. A few years ago I gave a few copies as gifts. There are used copies of this one for 89 cents plus shipping on Amazon. I hope you like these as much as I do.
Book Recommendation #1: Unplug the Christmas Machine. I first heard about this book in the Complete Tightwad Gazette (another favorite book of mine). It is a great book about how to really enjoy the season and do what is most important to you and your family. It has a lot of very practical suggestions and even a few recipes. You can get a used copy for $2.50 plus shipping on Amazon. It will change the way you think about the season.
Book Recommendation #2: The Twelve Blessings of Christmas. This is one of those coffee table books that is inpsiring just to look at. But, it is more than just pretty artwork. It has some really fun ideas and yummy simple recipes. A few years ago I gave a few copies as gifts. There are used copies of this one for 89 cents plus shipping on Amazon. I hope you like these as much as I do.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Rainy-Day Blues
Below I am going to print an article found in Building Her House by Nancy Wilson. I really loved the book and would recommend it!
Rainy-Day Blues by Nancy Wilson
Okay, so it's a gray day. It's drizzling outside or maybe it's even pouring rain. Maybe it's one of those days where it feels like it might rain any minute. And, I'm not talking about those glorious summer thunderstorms that are so exciting to watch from the window, but rather just a muggy, bleak, very wet day. Whatever the case, it's easy to let the drizzle creep inside. The kids are a little whiny. Nobody will eat their breakfast. Squabbles are lurking, and the atmosphere is heavy with foreboding-this will be a day of dreariness. Mom may even be a little irritable. Let's face it-everyone has days like this. And when you are a mom at home with little ones, you need to be prepared to fend off the drizzle and keep it outside. After all, God made the rain and it's good, but it doesn't belong in the house. In other words, God doesn't want his children to be drooping and moping around, rain or not.
Some people love rainy, gray weather; it makes them feel cozy and snug when it's raining outside. But for most of us, bad weather brings our spirits down while sunshine lifts them up. We feel naturally more motivated, more cheerful, and more energetic when there is blue sky. But God has told us to take heed to our spirit. We have to be alert to those things that affect us, and we have to learn how to overcome the things that tend to make us feel crabby. And moms in particular need to learn how to shepherd all the little people in the house by keeping the rain outside.
The first thing of course is to know your own frame. If you are no affected in any way by the weather, then you have a head start. And if a rainy day doesn't bring any blues to your house, then you can skip the rest of this article. Or maybe other things bring the dampness in: Dad's gone on a business trip, the grandparents just left after a wonderful visit, everyone has the flu, or maybe it's just letdown after Christmas or a birthday. Whatever the case, Mom needs to keep her own spirit in order before she can manage the kids.
Next, it is essential to know your own children. Moms really have a part in shaping their children's dispositions. The way you react to the weather teaches your children to do the same. We are creatures and not blocks of wood. The world around us affects us. We have to learn to apply wisdom in every situation and not "spiritualize" every temptation. Sometimes we need to overcome temptation by prayer and receiving grace; other times we need to put on some cheery music, open the curtains, and make a pot of coffee. God has given us the blessing of food when we are hungry, Advil when we have a headache, and Starbucks when we need a serious perk-up. We should avail ourselves of these blessings with gratitude to God our Creator, and not think we are somehow being unspiritual if we look to His creation for help and comfort.
Moms can minister to their children in similar ways. If everyone is droopy and cross, Mom may need to get creative to steer things in a more cheerful direction. First, you need to be cheerful yourself. Put some chocolate syrup in the kids' milk for breakfast-that's starting out on the right foot. Let them stay in their jammies a little longer than usual and make them a fort out of blankets in the living room. Pull out the dress-up box or the rainy-day coloring books. Bake some cookies. Be extravagant with the bubble bath and float a bowl of fruit loops in the tub with them. Make or buy some new Play-Doh and get out the cookie cutters. Use the red napkins at dinner. Put some flowers on the table. You get the idea-sometimes all that's needed is a little comfort and playfulness.
This might be fine and good with little kids, but what about the school-age kids? True, they still need to go to school or hit the books at home. But you can send them out the door cheerfully with a good breakfast and a jolly hug. And if you are schooling the kids at home, you can still light the candles and make their studies bright and pleasant by having a happy countenance and demeanor yourself. Bring them a snack or a cup of cocoa for a break. Read some poetry together. Go for a walk in the rain. Let them stomp in the puddles. Get soaked.
We know that only the Spirit of God can bring real joy and happiness to our souls. but when we find that joy challenged by dreary circumstances, we have an obligation to overcome it with a wisdom grounded in faith. "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!" (Ps. 144:15). As God's people we want to lay aside the hindrances of sin and take James's (5:13) advice: "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."
Put away any murmuring about the weather. It is unworthy of a Christian and a waste of time. Not only that, but it is a setup for other sins like laziness, self-pity, or envy. It only makes things worse, it distracts us away from our God-given duties, and it is mighty unproductive. Rather, we should ask God to stir up our hearts to joy and thanksgiving. This pleases him and blesses us. Ask Him to help you manage your household joyfully. And when rain brings a case of the blues, break out the good spirits and glad comfort, and let the kids slosh around in it.
Rainy-Day Blues by Nancy Wilson
Okay, so it's a gray day. It's drizzling outside or maybe it's even pouring rain. Maybe it's one of those days where it feels like it might rain any minute. And, I'm not talking about those glorious summer thunderstorms that are so exciting to watch from the window, but rather just a muggy, bleak, very wet day. Whatever the case, it's easy to let the drizzle creep inside. The kids are a little whiny. Nobody will eat their breakfast. Squabbles are lurking, and the atmosphere is heavy with foreboding-this will be a day of dreariness. Mom may even be a little irritable. Let's face it-everyone has days like this. And when you are a mom at home with little ones, you need to be prepared to fend off the drizzle and keep it outside. After all, God made the rain and it's good, but it doesn't belong in the house. In other words, God doesn't want his children to be drooping and moping around, rain or not.
Some people love rainy, gray weather; it makes them feel cozy and snug when it's raining outside. But for most of us, bad weather brings our spirits down while sunshine lifts them up. We feel naturally more motivated, more cheerful, and more energetic when there is blue sky. But God has told us to take heed to our spirit. We have to be alert to those things that affect us, and we have to learn how to overcome the things that tend to make us feel crabby. And moms in particular need to learn how to shepherd all the little people in the house by keeping the rain outside.
The first thing of course is to know your own frame. If you are no affected in any way by the weather, then you have a head start. And if a rainy day doesn't bring any blues to your house, then you can skip the rest of this article. Or maybe other things bring the dampness in: Dad's gone on a business trip, the grandparents just left after a wonderful visit, everyone has the flu, or maybe it's just letdown after Christmas or a birthday. Whatever the case, Mom needs to keep her own spirit in order before she can manage the kids.
Next, it is essential to know your own children. Moms really have a part in shaping their children's dispositions. The way you react to the weather teaches your children to do the same. We are creatures and not blocks of wood. The world around us affects us. We have to learn to apply wisdom in every situation and not "spiritualize" every temptation. Sometimes we need to overcome temptation by prayer and receiving grace; other times we need to put on some cheery music, open the curtains, and make a pot of coffee. God has given us the blessing of food when we are hungry, Advil when we have a headache, and Starbucks when we need a serious perk-up. We should avail ourselves of these blessings with gratitude to God our Creator, and not think we are somehow being unspiritual if we look to His creation for help and comfort.
Moms can minister to their children in similar ways. If everyone is droopy and cross, Mom may need to get creative to steer things in a more cheerful direction. First, you need to be cheerful yourself. Put some chocolate syrup in the kids' milk for breakfast-that's starting out on the right foot. Let them stay in their jammies a little longer than usual and make them a fort out of blankets in the living room. Pull out the dress-up box or the rainy-day coloring books. Bake some cookies. Be extravagant with the bubble bath and float a bowl of fruit loops in the tub with them. Make or buy some new Play-Doh and get out the cookie cutters. Use the red napkins at dinner. Put some flowers on the table. You get the idea-sometimes all that's needed is a little comfort and playfulness.
This might be fine and good with little kids, but what about the school-age kids? True, they still need to go to school or hit the books at home. But you can send them out the door cheerfully with a good breakfast and a jolly hug. And if you are schooling the kids at home, you can still light the candles and make their studies bright and pleasant by having a happy countenance and demeanor yourself. Bring them a snack or a cup of cocoa for a break. Read some poetry together. Go for a walk in the rain. Let them stomp in the puddles. Get soaked.
We know that only the Spirit of God can bring real joy and happiness to our souls. but when we find that joy challenged by dreary circumstances, we have an obligation to overcome it with a wisdom grounded in faith. "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!" (Ps. 144:15). As God's people we want to lay aside the hindrances of sin and take James's (5:13) advice: "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."
Put away any murmuring about the weather. It is unworthy of a Christian and a waste of time. Not only that, but it is a setup for other sins like laziness, self-pity, or envy. It only makes things worse, it distracts us away from our God-given duties, and it is mighty unproductive. Rather, we should ask God to stir up our hearts to joy and thanksgiving. This pleases him and blesses us. Ask Him to help you manage your household joyfully. And when rain brings a case of the blues, break out the good spirits and glad comfort, and let the kids slosh around in it.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Your Child's Heart
If you don't have Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp order it today! I first read this book when one of our pastors recommended it many years ago. I did not have kids then, but I bought a copy and read it while I was pregnant. Now that I have 4 kids (well, one is still in utero), I am rereading it and getting even more out of it. Granted, I can only comment on the part about kids 5 and under.
The book is great at balancing outward obedience with what is going on in your child's heart. We must lovingly, diligently, and patiently train their little hearts to be oriented toward God. Tedd Trip uses the diagram above as a very helpful illustration. Our kids caught right on when we showed it to them. "Inside the circle you are promised blessing. If you leave the circle, I have to save you and help restore you to the place that God has promised you blessing and life." We discipline our children as servants of the Lord. The goal is not to humiliate them or make them pay for embarassing us but to teach them about repentance and forgiveness.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Crazy Cough Tip
If you or a child has a cough that won't quit, give this a try. Rub a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on the bottom of their feet and then put socks on them. I am not sure why, but it has helped with some pretty persistant coughs in our house. My Grandma always said that if she was stuck on a deserted island and could only have one medication with her she would pick Vicks Vaporub.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Dumbledore...
This is a great blog post about the whole Dumbledore accouncement. And since I am talking Harry Potter, I just have to say that I absolutely LOVED the way the whole series ended. I could not have imagined it being any better.
Cancer Prevention
We as Christian women do not want to be fearful of disease or consumed with thoughts about how to prevent every disease we hear about. But, there is definitely nothing wrong with doing what we can to prevent disease in ourselves and those we care for. I would say it is good stewardship of that which God has given us. My Grandma was diagnosed with Breast Cancer recently and I looked and looked for a book that used natural medicine and diet IN CONJUNCTION with medical treatment. Such a book is rare indeed. Many medical books don't say diet can help very much and the books that are primarily diet related make the doctors sound like idiots. I wanted some balance. Well, I feel like I have found it. How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine by Dr Murray has been a great source of balanced information while my Grandma battled cancer and now as another good friend of mine has been diagnosed. It has 3 sections: 1.Prevention 2.Treating Cancer with Natural Medicine 3. Minimizing Side Effects While Receiving Radiation and Chemo. I wanted to give you a few tips from that book for preventing cancer. He fleshes each one out quite a bit in the book. But, to keep it short...here are his "7 Key Principles of the Cancer Prevention Diet"...
1. Eat a "rainbow" assortment of fruits and vegetables.
2. Reduce exposure to pesticides.
3. Reduce intake of meat and other animal foods.
4. Eat the right type of fats by increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Avoid high calorie, low-nutrient foods such as junk foods, candy, and soft drinks.
6. Keep salt intake low, potassium intake high.
7. Choose foods that help your body detoxify and eliminate waste.
Now, right off the bat I would like to say that we have a theology of feasting that allows me to enjoy all of God's good gifts to us with thanksgiving. Even junk food and candy bars! But, it is helpful to know what things are particularly good to avoid so that we can minimize them when possible. I am not organized enough right now to incorporate all 7 of these into our lifestyle, nor would I want to be too obsessive about obeying them. But, they are still a helpful starting point as you and I try to live a healthier life.
1. Eat a "rainbow" assortment of fruits and vegetables.
2. Reduce exposure to pesticides.
3. Reduce intake of meat and other animal foods.
4. Eat the right type of fats by increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Avoid high calorie, low-nutrient foods such as junk foods, candy, and soft drinks.
6. Keep salt intake low, potassium intake high.
7. Choose foods that help your body detoxify and eliminate waste.
Now, right off the bat I would like to say that we have a theology of feasting that allows me to enjoy all of God's good gifts to us with thanksgiving. Even junk food and candy bars! But, it is helpful to know what things are particularly good to avoid so that we can minimize them when possible. I am not organized enough right now to incorporate all 7 of these into our lifestyle, nor would I want to be too obsessive about obeying them. But, they are still a helpful starting point as you and I try to live a healthier life.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Birthday Pics
As promised, here are a few pictures from Aiden's birthday party. I love the first one because it captures what kind of dad Jeremy is. He really delights in his boys and I sure love him for it! Aiden is working on his handwriting and beginning reading this year and so he wanted and "A" party...as in "A"iden...for his birthday. His aunt Becky came through with a really fun cake! She just started selling cakes in Springfield, MO and is doing a GREAT job! You name it, she can put it on a cake.
Harley Halloweeners
Check out our cool little biker dudes!
Also, I have been on vacation to see family in Missouri for the last week. Once I crawl out from under the pile of laundry that we just unloaded, I will post some of the helpful things I have come across lately. I have been on a Nancy Wilson kick and she has loads of great things to say.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Birthday Redeemed!
Well, the weather could not have been more perfect and the day was a wonderful success! Aiden had a great time and loved his cake. Everyone mingled and visited in a relaxed "old friend" kind of way. The guys played football for a long time and will all be sore tomorrow. We got to see nearly all of our family and had hours to chat. Our prayers were heard and answered in the affirmative. I will post some happy pictures later.
Birthday Bummer
Well, we are in Missouri for the week visiting family and having lots of fun. But tomorrow we are having a family birthday party for Aiden(which means about 50 people) at the park and it is supposed to be 55 degrees! I sort of forgot to have a contingiency plan in the case of cold weather. So...what to do? I'm not sure yet...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Redeeming Halloween
This is a great book on the topic. We have always participated in this holiday, but I have thought many times about how we could do it. Kim Wier and Pam McCune, the authors, used to bow out of all the festivities and are open in dealing with struggles Christians have with such a dark holiday. I'll share one little idea from the book and if you are interested you can pick up a copy for yourself. We are to be missional Christians. What kind of message does it send to the world we are supposed to be reaching, especially the kids, when they find a dark porch with no candy or a note that says "We don't participate in this holiday." How much better would it be if, in the midst of such a dark night, we had the brightest house on the block, decorated with tons of white lights. We could hand out the BEST candy! Full sized candy bars. And, if you have time to spare, make cool wrappers to tape around that say, "Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8" That is one night that we have a unique opportunity. When kids from non christian families in our neighborhood come to our house year after year hopefully they will remember the Christians as the most generous, the most joyous, the least fearful. Lastly, highlight Reformation Day. Talk about how Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of an old church on October 31 so many years ago. Gear up for All Saints Day on Nov 1st. It is a great day to teach our kiddos about the saints that have gone before us. We have no need to fear all the dark things that are paraded around on Halloween and so we should not be hiding. We should be redeeming and transforming! And our kids will have tons of fun in the process.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Like a Weaned Child
I am a worrier. It's one of the things I continually have to work on. This is a really great article about quieting your soul. I need to read that any time Jeremy is out of town!
Change the Channel
We women are always having trouble with our thoughts. Whether it is worry and fear, dwelling on our spouses shortcomings, or just thinking about ourselves too much, we have to learn how to take our thoughts captive. Well, Nancy Wilson has a great analogy that I appreciate. She says to think of the thoughts in your head like a radio station. If something that you are thinking on is not what is should be, just change the station. Take control of your thoughts and consciously turn them on to the things of God. Try some thankfulness. Add a little confession of sin. Then get back to more thankfulness. Think about those that need help in your church. Think about how you can assist. Organize your day in your head, but don't organize your frustrations with your hubby. Change that channel.
On a related note...I have seen a poem relating to cherishing and serving our kids. Well, I thought it might be helpful to have one that reminded us to do the same for our husbands so here it is...
To my husband...
Just for this morning, I will wake up cheerfully ready to love on you a little.
Just for this morning, I will cook you a yummy breakfast just because I love you.
Just for this morning, I won't complain when you leave your clothes lying on the floor, but will be so thankful that you are here with me.
Just for this morning, I won't act like your mother. Instead I will treat you with the respect that you deserve and that God commands me to give you.
Just for this morning, I will be thankful that you work so hard to provide for our family.
Just for this morning, I will not manipulate you with silence or loud gestures.
Just for this morning, I will send you off to work with a smile and a kiss.
Just for this afternoon, I will do something that you need done so that you don't have to do it.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you lead our family instead of trying to steer things myself.
Just for this evening, I will be so thankful that you chose to come home to me once again.
Just for this evening, I will enjoy dinner and talking with you and our kids and not worry about...anything.
Just for this evening, I will turn off being a mom of toddlers and turn on being only your wife.
Just for this evening, I will do what you want to do for fun instead of expecting our time together to be on my terms.
Just for this evening, I won't mind if you hog the sheets or get on my side. I will just be glad that you are in bed with me.
Just for this evening, I will remember how crazy I was about you when we were dating! I will foster that!
Just for this evening, I will choose to look at all your great qualities instead of choosing to pick out your flaws.
Just for this evening, I will say I am sorry first and just take responsibility for my part and move on.
Just for this evening, I will be the wife of your dreams!
On a related note...I have seen a poem relating to cherishing and serving our kids. Well, I thought it might be helpful to have one that reminded us to do the same for our husbands so here it is...
To my husband...
Just for this morning, I will wake up cheerfully ready to love on you a little.
Just for this morning, I will cook you a yummy breakfast just because I love you.
Just for this morning, I won't complain when you leave your clothes lying on the floor, but will be so thankful that you are here with me.
Just for this morning, I won't act like your mother. Instead I will treat you with the respect that you deserve and that God commands me to give you.
Just for this morning, I will be thankful that you work so hard to provide for our family.
Just for this morning, I will not manipulate you with silence or loud gestures.
Just for this morning, I will send you off to work with a smile and a kiss.
Just for this afternoon, I will do something that you need done so that you don't have to do it.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you lead our family instead of trying to steer things myself.
Just for this evening, I will be so thankful that you chose to come home to me once again.
Just for this evening, I will enjoy dinner and talking with you and our kids and not worry about...anything.
Just for this evening, I will turn off being a mom of toddlers and turn on being only your wife.
Just for this evening, I will do what you want to do for fun instead of expecting our time together to be on my terms.
Just for this evening, I won't mind if you hog the sheets or get on my side. I will just be glad that you are in bed with me.
Just for this evening, I will remember how crazy I was about you when we were dating! I will foster that!
Just for this evening, I will choose to look at all your great qualities instead of choosing to pick out your flaws.
Just for this evening, I will say I am sorry first and just take responsibility for my part and move on.
Just for this evening, I will be the wife of your dreams!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Little Update
I just felt like I needed a more recent picture. Here are my boys (minus the one still inutero) with their fresh buzz cuts.
Loving kids when it's hard...
I just read a terrific article about loving your kids when it's not so easy or automatic. We hate to admit it, but there are times when it harder to really love one (or more) of our kids. What we need then is what we need the rest of the time...grace from our Heavenly Father.
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