Nope

Well, it was inevitable, I guess. This past week my 2 year old daughter Selah told me "no", and on more than one occasion. The first time was after her bath. She had run to give Daddy a hug and then sat down on the couch, covered herself with pillows, and played like she was hiding. I asked her to come to me, to which she boldly replied, "no". I was so stunned. I glanced over at my husband who was holding the baby, looking equally shocked, and then I asked her to repeat what she had just said. A very nonchalant "Nope", was the response. Her look said it all. She was testing to see if this was acceptable. So, I calmly explained that she is not allowed to tell Mommy no, and gave her a little spanking, followed by hugs, an apology, and prayer for forgiveness. Mission accomplished, lesson learned, glad that's over, right? Nope.

Two days later it happened again- this time in public. We were just finishing up our checkout at the grocery store when Selah reached to the front of the cart and tightly squeezed her 10 month old little sister Susannah, making her cry. I told her she needed to apologize and give her a gentle hug, to which she replied "nope". After explaining how this was unacceptable and again directing her to apologize, with uncertainty in her tone, she again told me no. I did not look around but was fully aware I was being watched.

I took a moment to size up the situation and make my payment for the groceries. Grocery store or not, Selah needed immediate correction so that she would not learn from my lack of response that saying no to Mommy is somehow okay when other people are around. Then I got very close to Selah, took her hand in mine and quietly told her that she would now be receiving a spanking. As I was explaining her offenses, she reached over with the other hand, hugged her sister, kissed her on the forehead and apologized. Well, I let go of her hand, and told her that this was a much better choice, collected my receipt, and left the store, again not turning back to see if anyone was judging.

My husband jokes that I have been told 'what's what' by strangers in the grocery store more than anyone he knows. I have been told that my baby is too big for the baby sling and too small for it (all in the same month). I have had a woman pull a bow out of Susannah's hair telling me she is too young for hairbows (to which I politely replied that she was just fine, but I stuck the bow in her diaper bag anyway.) It's been too warm for socks and too cold for bare feet. I have even had a store associate come darting across the produce department and take a pen out of my daughter's hand and then tell me off for letting her have it. Okay, I agree on that one, but she had gotten ahold of it while I was picking out my bananas, and I was not given the opportunity to turn around and take care of it before the rebuke came.

The point is I have gotten my fair share of friendly and not so friendly advice and judgment from strangers in the grocery store. When it comes down to it, that moment was about teaching my daughter to honor her mother, let the judgment from strangers come. As uncomfortable as it makes me to be watched, and even more so to have someone come up to me and tell me I am doing something wrong in their opinion, I have come to the realization that people are gonna say and think what they will. What matters is the conviction the Lord has placed on my heart to instruct and discipline my kids according to His Word. In public or private, disobedience needs to be handled on the spot.

As for Selah, she told me no again a couple days later when it came time to clean up her puzzles. Only this time, I did not have to say anything. I gave her "the look", and she said it all. "Don't tell Mommy no. Sorry Mama. Hugs. Clean up time (started singing the clean-up song)". It's a learning process for both of us.

How do you handle disobedience that takes you by surprise? Do you handle it differently in public if people are watching? How can we overcome the discomfort of being watched and focus on correcting our children in a way that honors the Lord? How do you handle the friendly and not so friendly advice of strangers? (Would love some feedback on this one!)

Prayer: Wise and gracious Lord, I come to you today on my knees asking for wisdom from your Holy Spirit to guide me as I act and react to disobedient situations with my children. Please grant me heavenly knowledge and understanding to handle discipline with the proper amount of grace and correction. I also pray for the grace to be kind and polite to strangers offering advice, even when they are not. I thank you for entrusting me with this great responsibility and pray that my choices would honor You as I teach my children to make those same kind of choices. I love you Lord and again praise You for the gift of motherhood. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Beginning at the End

“Forgetting the past and looking forward what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ, is calling us.” Philippians 3: 13-14

“OOOOO, Mommy! Look at all those beautiful flowers!” My son Mikey was super excited to see a field full of all types of flowers. There were flowers of all different colors, shapes, sizes, and varieties…all in one large field. It was a cemetery. Oh, to see thing through his innocent eyes! The truth is very few of us view cemeteries as beautiful. Why? Because we don’t want to be reminded of death. Although statistics state that 10 out of 10 people die, we never want to think about dying and leaving our kids…even if it does mean being alive with Christ. However, from time to time, it is good, healthy even, for us to remember that we are leaving a legacy with our kids. We are blessed with precious moments with them now, but we will not be here with them forever. In light of this sobering truth, we must ask ourselves a couple of questions:

1. What is the Most Important Thing for me to do as mom?
2. How do my everyday actions reflect what is most important to me?

As I reflect on the first question, I realize that first and foremost, I want my boys to have a personal relationship with the One who created them and loves them the most. I want them to know that God has plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I want them to know that they can cast all their cares, worries, and anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for them (Psalm 55:22). I want them to know that although this life will throw us a few curve balls, His ways are always higher and better than our own (Isaiah 55:9).
How do we do that? I am convinced that we have to model Christ in all things. Will we mess up? Yep! Will we lose our cool when we are having one of “those” days? At times. But our overall character should reflect Him. We are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). In this culture that is not always easy, but we must strive to be set apart in the way we treat our husbands, our kids, our family, and our friends. We need to be slow to anger and quick to listen (Psalm 103:8). We need to forgive seventy times seven times (Matthew 18:21-22). We need to do everything out of love (1 Corinthians 16:14). Even our discipline should be out of love and not frustration…a truth I must constantly set before myself when I feel on the verge of snapping…on the verge of handling things my own way instead of God’s way.
The truth is both God and our kids are very forgiving. If we live a life of love, our kids are more able to relate to a loving father. If we are consistent in training and teaching them, they are better able to understand that our heavenly father is constant. He does not cast shifting shadows (James 1:17). As I reflect on all these truths, I realize that being a mom is a loaded job. We have the best, yet toughest job in the world. We are training up the next generation to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are teaching them that righteousness comes before being cool. We are teaching them to stand up for what is right…even if they are standing alone.
While these reflections may feel a bit “heavy”, I pray that they will give our everyday tasks a new sense of purpose. In light of eternity our the ordinary mom duties (changing diapers, picking up toys, folding laundry, making dinner, playing trains on the floor, etc.) can become an extraordinary part of the tapestry God is weaving in the lives of our children. And when that day comes when our children have children of their own—when they are running around taking kids to soccer practice, packing lunch, and playing tag—they can pass on the legacy of faith and love that we left them. And that kind of faith and that kind of love is what will change our world for Him: one loved child at a time.

Dear Father,
As we reflect on this wonderful and beautiful role of “momma”, we can often feel overwhelmed. Help us to remember that you are with us always and that we were never meant to do this thing called parenting alone. May we lean on your understanding and not our own. When feel tired, please give us new strength. When we need wisdom, please speak to us through your Word and with your still, small voice. Most of all, please help us to remember that you always were and will always be THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. We love you Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: A letter from Paul to Us—Philippians 3:17-4:1, 4-9 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows that they are really enemies of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work…
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Challenge: Think about ways you can be purposeful in leaving a legacy of faith and love with your children? How are you doing well in this area? In what ways can you improve?

Rejecting Change

Contributed by our Guest Blogger Sheila

1 Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (NIV).



Sixth grade! I remember it well!! Going from public school to Catholic school was quite a change; new uniforms, a new haircut (like a boy), and new friends (because I knew no one.) Not to mention the changes I was going through physically and emotionally. At first I was kind of excited because of the popularity I held in elementary. I thought for sure I would make tons of friends and be on top of the mountain again. Little did I know it would be a tough year of change and trials. When I look back at the struggles of that year I realize I built a lot of character. You see, I got picked on the entire year. I made 3 friends and they were considered the “nerds” or “outcasts” of the school. I realized what true friendship was. I grew to appreciate people for their inner qualities. I found out that one shouldn’t be judged by appearance, and most of all I now had a feel for the “other side.” I had been one of those mean girls already by the young age of 11. I was selfish and conceited entering the 6th grade but boy was I humbled when I exited.


As we ended last year for my oldest daughter in fifth grade we really struggled with the fact that God may be closing the door for keeping her in the great Christian school she attended. I personally LOVE the school and am very close to many of the people there being she has attended for 5 years and we also attend the church. For me it was a no brainer. I will work extra hard to keep her there!! But, as we prayed and my husband, who has an amazing gentle spirit and heart for God to lead our family, revealed things about our situation I realized this wasn’t going to work. I have 2 toddlers who are still home with me I can’t do extra hours away from home. I began to question if I should home school and we even began to look into public and charter schools. My heart broke! I remember saying, ”Lord, truly you have a better plan! I know the public school system in this area and I know my daughter please God I don’t want her to hurt like I did.”



Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)



God did what only a loving father with a better plan would do. He opened a door for another Christian school and kept the door closed on the one I truly LOVE. Well, you might think I immediately thanked Him and got on my knees because He obviously knows better then I. But being the ungrateful daughter that I am, I semi-smiled and hoped He would change His mind at the last minute. I thought about my daughter who had a close knit group of friends, who had auditioned for and made the next big theatre/dance performance she would now miss, and the different things she and I had looked forward to in middle school and was sad for her (and I). I watched as tears would well up in her eyes daily as the summer came closer and closer to an end and the reality was beginning to sink in that she would not be in her comfortable, beloved environment and my heart broke for her. I was relieved but praying all the while that we might be able to still stay at the school He put us in 5 years ago.
Ephesians 2:10 ,”For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”



I grew up in a household where we knew who Jesus was but didn’t attend church. I believed in Him because I was told to, but that personal relationship was missing. The “why” was not taught. One day it occurred to me how ungrateful I had been. I was in tears as I realized that truly God had gifted us this new school. I thought about the lessons I had learned in 6th grade and how if I had not gone through those trials I would not have changed my ways on into high school. I prayed at that moment that instead of rejecting change I would be there for my daughter when she hit forks and had hard lessons. I would instill the character of God into her, as Courtney said, so she can see that even when we don’t understand why things happen we can look on at the promises and loving heart of God and know He has a plan to prosper us not hurt us. I would point her to the Bible when she had relational conflicts to see the ways to handle them. I thought about how so many times the Lord changed things in my life and made things uncomfortable for a season only to grow me and give me rewards that were immeasurable! That had I not gone through the many changes I would not be here with the Lord today. What was I even thinking about withholding these experiences from my daughter?! So many times as parents we want to protect and not have our kids feel disappointment so bad that we are hindering them from the true blessings that God has held for them. I didn’t have the spiritual council at her age to depend on during these times but I made a promise to the Lord to do my best to take the hardships and help her to see His heart through it.



There have been a few new and rough trials already this year and my husband and I have been able to support and keep her focused on God encouraging her through them. She has seen the hand of the Lord work for her and identified His character through her trials. For this I am soooo grateful! God always know what He is doing! We may want to fight Him on things but it is His plan that gives peace. I can’t wait to see the amazing woman my daughter will be! I see His hand all over her and I know He is doing amazing things in her and my life!!


2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV)


Application
Think of times you may have tried to impose your plan on the Lord’s plan. Remember the outcome? What do you think would have happened if you totally surrendered to His plan? Pray and ask God’s for forgiveness if needed.

Heavenly Father, I know you have my best interest in mind. Help me Lord to fully give you control of every situation having faith that You are the almighty, all-knowing God who wants good for your children. Forgive me when I take the wheel to my life thinking I would know better then you. Thank you God for loving me like only you can and turning my messes into miracles. I love you Jesus.
Amen

Little Reflections

"A true mother is not merely a provider, housekeeper, comforter or companion. A true mother is primarily and essentially a trainer." - Ruth Graham

Definition of REFLECTION:
1. the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
2. an image; representation; counterpart.
3. a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.
4. a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.

We are being reflected. We are training. Daily our children look at our life and with very little words said, they are soaking in our take on life and will reflect it without even being told to. They watch. They learn. They love others how we love others. They forgive how we forgive. They speak the way we speak. They show respect how we show respect. Their heart to serve others will reflect the depth of our heart to serve others. They listen and watch, waiting to see how we handle that stressful situation that came up unexpectedly. What a scary thought, huh?!

Whether I want to admit it or not, I am the touchable tangible "image" my children see of Jesus. I reflect who He is through my life. Our family has seen good things reflected in our children and some not so good. One moment, shockingly, I will cherish forever is when I was in a car accident with my boys. I was on my way to Bible study and totally caught off guard as we were hit. Afterward I began crying and said nothing to my sons in the back seat as the other driver tried to blame the accident on me. My son, Jack Jack, who is two, began praying for me. And although the only words I could recognize were dear Jesus and amen at the end, I was so blown away that he knew we needed to pray. I was so thankful the Lord encouraged me right there that he "gets it" and has learned the importance of stopping to pray.

Other times the Lord will use our children to show us the areas we are teaching them, yet still struggle with ourselves. One night my husband had some delicious food and my son, James, asked, "Daddy can I have a a bite?" My husband replied that he had his own plate and to finish his first. My son then began singing a verse we had learned, Luke 10:27, which states, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." He then asked my husband why he wasn't loving "his neighbor." We all laughed but there was some truth there. The Lord uses our kids to stretch us and remind us of truth. Frequently they reflect back to us the honest, loving reminders from our heavenly Father of what He wants us to look like. Gotta love that!

I shared with a friend today my frustration over how I want to be a woman of my word who my husband and children have full confidence in (Proverbs 31:11), but feel I am failing miserably in that area. I need to let my yes be yes and my no be no (James 5:12). I need to be slow to speak (James 1:19) before committing to something. As I vented I realized that the Lord was teaching me a valuable lesson. If I am not a woman of my word, then my kids will not keep their commitments either. They too will reflect that character flaw, or sin, unless I confess and make a change now. I am realizing it's OK to say no to some things. I need to pray before committing to an activity so flippantly without thinking it through. So often I want to please everyone that the last person being pleased is the ONE I should be seeking first.

If my heart's desire is to reflect Christ then spending time with Him needs to be priority. It will most likely require some sacrifice and denying of self. Maybe sleep, internet time, TV show, ect. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice. I once heard a mom share a beautiful devotion on the subject of spending time with Jesus. She shared about how busy our schedules can be and gave a great suggestion of having a Bible or devotional placed in each room throughout your house and possibly your car too. She reminded us of the importance of taking a 5 minute break to meet with Jesus and what an amazing impact it can have on your perspective for the day. At the stop light or even in the car line, break out the Bible and let His reflection of warmth and beauty radiate in your life. Your children will definitely reflect it too if we will seek His face daily (Psalm 105:4).


Here are a few "reflections" I found about Ruth Graham that I thought you would enjoy.

"It was far from easy. But she had a tender and yielded heart. Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances. She was a lovely, beautiful and wise woman because early in life, she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant and her vision." - Ruth Graham's daughter Ruth


"When I would go down to her room late at night, I would see the light on underneath the door and I'd go in, and she would be on her knees in prayer."


"I believe that our heavenly Father, our Savior, saved my mother from loneliness because of her daily walk with the Lord Jesus, He was the love of her life. I saw that in her life. It was her love for the Lord Jesus, with whom she walks every day, that made me want to love Him and walk with Him like that."
- Anne Graham Lotz


Ann Graham Lotz also wrote this statement on the death of her mother: "My mother's legacy in my life runs very deep ... and wide. When I think of my mother, I think of her sparkling eyes — she just loved life. She was full of fun, opinions, and a zest for living that was evident until her last breath ... her arms always outstretched to welcome me into her presence with unconditional love."



As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.
-Proverbs 27:19

What are you hoping to reflect onto your kids?



What are some good things you have already reflected?



What are some "not so good" things you have reflected onto your kids? Ask them for forgiveness (like Courtney mentioned) and let them see you are not perfect. Ask Him to give you the boldness if your pride gets in the way.



This week identify ONE
(a) character trait that needs to change in your life, so it won't become something your children reflect as well. Pray and ask someone to hold you accountable to working on this.
(b) trait of Jesus that IS being reflected in your home and THANK God for it!




Jesus, we thank you for who you are. We thank you for your faithfulness in our life and what joy that brings to our family. You are such a great parent to us, continually reflecting goodness and mercy along with unconditional love. Lord, let us seek your face daily so we can reflect true beauty to our children. -Amen

Above quotes from
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2007/06/ruths_children.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,284413,00.html#ixzz1cPbzzTk

Be Kind and Stop

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to New York City with our oldest daughter, her friend and my friend.  In preparation for the trip we all expressed what we most wanted to do. We submitted our favorite tourist options like, the Statue of Liberty; a show on Broadway; going to Ground Zero; Grand Central Station and a variety of other things.  My choice was to be in the crowd at Good Morning America.

Specifically, I wanted to see Good Morning America and maybe even my favorite anchor, Robin Roberts.  The girls graciously put Good Morning America on our list of possible activities.

At seven in the morning we arrived at the ABC station to watch the crew and anchors begin giving the days news, stories and weather. I was certainly like a kid at Christmas, getting to watch Sam, Josh, George, Lara and Robin begin their work on live TV. 

As we stood and waved for the rolling cameras, the outdoor crew let us know that the anchors would come to the street before the shows end.  I wondered if I would have the opportunity to meet any of them, specifically Robin.

In the last half hour of the show, the anchors began coming into the street to do some outdoor filming.  We had the chance to meet the anchors and take pictures.  Robin still had not come out.

Finally the beautiful, graceful and elegant Robin Roberts walked out of the building with an entourage of co-workers briefing her on what the next piece would be.  She also had security guards watching the crowd with fox like maneuvers.

As Robin walked out with a swarm of attendants, her eyes seem to lock with mine and she walked away from all those assistants and walked straight to me.  After exchanging pleasantries, I began telling her I had been raised on Good Morning America.  Robin was so very kind and personable.  We took some pictures and she was back to the set.

Why do I tell you Mommy’s about this experience?

As we read scripture we see Jesus moving quickly from one location to another.  He is constantly being asked to explain, feed, heal, and speak with the crowds.  Yet so many times, in the midst of being “pulled” to the next urgent situation Jesus recognizes someone outside of His constituents.

John records Jesus seeing the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, and healing the man born blind.  Jesus found them.  He stopped the direction he was taking to show kindness.

So as a mom, do I stop to speak to my children? Do I stop to listen to my children?  Do I stop to help my children as they do tasks that could lead to frustration? Am I kind?

I can become so busy with “my things” that I miss our children.  One more call, another load of laundry, working in the yard, making a meal, cleaning up after a meal, and having conversations at church, can all get in the way of what our children need.

I can’t tell you how special Robin Roberts made me feel that morning.  But in that moment all of her life stopped for me.

Christ looks at me.  He stops for me.  

He is waiting on me to stop and look at Him.

Mark 10: 14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Challenge:  In the next coming days find two occasions where you stop what you are doing to look your child in the eyes, listen and be kind.  Not because they need correction or even direction, just so they recognize you are making them feel like a priority. Look for opportunities to be kind to your children, for no other reason than to let them know they are a priority. Let’s stop for our children.

What Character

I was driving this week through the winding mountains of Georgia in awe of the beauty. Trees of yellow, red, orange, and green surrounded me like a tunnel straight out of a painting that you could look at for hours. Fall is my favorite season, even though it starts to get cold, there is something amazingly beautiful that is happening around us. In the peace and quite of my car, surrounded by God’s changing creation it got me thinking. Change…it happens all around us all the time.

When I was a kid we would play cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians. My kids play a similar game, I don’t think it has a name they just have the good guys and the bad guys. The good guys always win and they get to shoot the bad guy. That is pretty much the same as cops and robber. But here is the change…tasers. Apparently, it is a lot more fun to catch the bad guy and to be the bad guy if he first has to shake around a bit before he falls to the ground incapacitated.

Another sign of change was when I was teaching my son, Xavier, to read. He had this list of words we would go through before he read his story and with each word he liked to make up a sentence. We got to the word log and he said, “like to log on or off the computer.” And it hit me times are definitely changing. He was four, log, should be something you sit on by a campfire or roll down a hill.

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalm 102:25-27

God made His creation beautiful and He made it to change. A pregnant mother’s belly, a growing child, the leaves in the fall, and the bloom of the flowers in the spring, but the most beautiful, wonderful change that takes place is in the human heart as it grows in a relationship with Christ.

As mothers we can be an example of that change to our children. Let them see what Christ is doing in our hearts. Be humble and loving. Apologize for the wrong that we do against them. Pray with them. Be transparent in how God is working in our lives and has worked in our lives as we teach them.

Surrounded by constant change, one thing I find comfort in is knowing that God is unchanging. He loves me the same today as He did the day He created me regardless of all the stupid things and messes I have created in the middle. God’s character does not waver. It is what it is and what it has always been.

This has been my focus in teaching my children this year. We always want our kids to learn all the Bible stories and we get so excited when they are two and they can tell everyone about Adam and Eve, Noah and Jesus. But as they are growing there is that depth to the stories that is more important than the one we read them out of the board book with the pretty pictures. In every one of them we see a bit of God’s character, that truly is the most important part of the story. That is the part we need to hold onto and teach our children.

Reading the story of Abraham this year with Alexis who is nine and Boston who is eight was so different than it has been in the past. They struggled with, as most people do, the part where Abraham, obeying the Lord, takes Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice to the Lord. Together we were able to look back at what we had already read about God. We were able to see that God was a God of love, that he kept his promises. We remembered that God promised Abraham descendants that would number the stars in the sky and that these descendants would come through Isaac.

Logically they could see that God had never let Abraham down, he had taken care of him, given him a baby with Sarah as He promised. But this, sending Abraham to sacrifice his son, is more than logic. There is a lot of feeling to contend with here. But in the end what we could look at and rely upon was the character of who God is and who He was to Abraham. His character had won out. Even though the kids couldn’t understand why God would even tell Abraham to do such a terrible thing, they could see that God kept His promises and that, they along with Abraham could trust in the character of God even when they didn’t understand.

That is what I want my kids to know. I want that burned onto there little hearts. Every Bible story I want them to be able to pull out what they learned about the character of God. Because that character, will be the only thing they have to lean when nothing else seems to makes sense.

We all have faced challenges in our lives when they think, why is the Lord letting this happen, or really that’s what He want me to do? We can get all bent out of shape and be just down right disobedient because we cannot understand. The truth is we don’t always have to understand the why or the how. What we need to understand is God’s character.

We are God’s tools to be used by God. We are His tools in our kids lives, our husbands, neighbors, friends and countless others whom we don’t even know about. Being God’s tool is not all serving in soup kitchen, taking care of babies in the church nursery and singing in the church choir. Sometimes being God’s tool hurts and in those times, like Abraham, we need to remember that we can rely on the character of God. We need to remember that our God loves us, He is just and fair, righteous and all knowing. He is merciful and full of grace. He hears our prayers and answers them. He keeps His promises and we can find peace and comfort in that.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. John 14:27

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:38-39

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “ The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6

Challenge: This week as you read your Bible look for things that show you the attributes and the character of God. Make a list, and tuck that paper in your Bible so you can add to it as you read. The next time you have a trial in your life, pull out that list and be encouraged and reminded of who your God is.

If you are not currently reading through anything in your Bible I would suggest Psalms. You could fill a notebook with what you will find in there. Also, if you would like to read a book about God’s promises try The Shelter of God’s Promises by Shiela Walsh. This book was a good reminder of who God is and the comfort and peace that are to be had in Him and His promises.

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Stay At Home Mom

My oldest daughter Selah is 2 years old, and recently she has had a language explosion. She is like a little parrot repeating everything we say, and it is really fun to watch! When she was first learning to communicate, she started with the basics by pointing to things and saying, "dis one" until she learned what 'this one' was actually called. One day she was playing with her toys in her room, and as I walked in to check on her before going back to cleaning, she looked up and said, "Mommy sit". I was so surprised that she was able to make this request and at the same time my heart broke a bit that my little girl found a way in her limited vocabulary to communicate to her busy Mommy that she wanted attention. I made a silent vow that day to always stop and play with my kids even if it's only for a minute or two when they make such a request.

It makes me think about that title, 'Stay at home mom'. The implication is that we get to just hang out in our homes and spend time mothering our children. But it seems that there are so many other things that demand our time and attention that there is little time to just sit and enjoy mothering our children. Certainly much of it is motherly duties of feeding, diapering, disciplining, instructing, and cleaning. But there is also a home to care for, a husband to support, endless piles of laundry to be done, and then there are all of the appointments, studies, playdates, and other things that fill up our schedules. I don't know about you, but there are times when I am tempted to just let go of all other commitments, get my home somewhat in order, and spend the rest of my time and energy playing puzzles with my kids, running around outside, or watching a video with them snuggled on my lap. No computer, no phone, and no to-do list urging me to check off a task that will just be replaced with 3 others.

I did this last week after reading Courtney's blog. I let Selah choose how we spent our morning. I gave her some options, and she chose to play at the playground and then go to Target to look at the Christmas decorations. So, I left laundry in the dryer, dishes in the sink, and the floor messy and in need of vacuuming, and off we went. We leisurely spent the morning playing together and walking around the store stopping at every aisle with no sense of rush or hurry. It was so nice, and the girls really enjoyed themselves. We giggled, played, ran around, explored, and just enjoyed life. I had to play catch-up once I got them down for naps, but it was so worth it.

I love reading the blogs from the other moms and getting insight, wisdom, and ideas. I love that some of us have little ones at similar stages who can relate, while others have older children and we can gain some perspective for the future. Teresa's encouragement to let go of our high expectations and let our kids do things in their own time really hit home for me, and Joannie's story of her one on one time camping with her older daughter got me excited for what's to come in my relationship with my girls and at the same time encouraged me that you can maintain a good relationship with your teen-aged daughter.

I pray that all the readers of this blog are encouraged and edified as well and that you too will take some time this week to just enjoy being a stay at home mommy- even if you work outside the home. Setting aside an hour or two to just enjoy your kids with no outside distractions is so freeing and a wonderful blessing for both mommy and kids.

Prayer: Lord of my heart, I thank you for the blessing of my children. Thank you for allowing me to know a love so deep and powerful. I thank you for every moment, every season, every giggle, every hug, and every "I love you Mommy". Please help me to free up time to just enjoy this gift of motherhood. May I be edified by those who offer wisdom and encouragement and in turn encourage other mommies you have placed in my life. Please help me to raise the children you have given my husband and me with wisdom, integrity, grace, and understanding. Teach me as I teach them. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.