Unexpected VISITOR Reminded Me of Truth

Yesterday was a nutty day. It was busy with tons of activity both on the playground and in the kitchen. My house was in COMPLETE disarray with dishes piled high, toys all over, and many things laid out. My husband had plans to get together with a few friends, meeting up first at our house, to do a hospital visit together. Honestly I was tired. I was really hoping James, my husband, would just run outside and meet the guys, at their cars, where I wouldn't have to "entertain" or worry about my house. Well the Lord had other plans and a few lessons along the way :)

One of those faithful men got to our house early! AAAghh. As I welcomed him in, all I could think about was the clutter in my home and how it must look to an "outsider." I was stressed yet trying to act "normal."  I tried to smile and talk as I wiped down and organized my clutter as I realized he could care less about the state of my house, but just wanted to sit on the couch and veg with our family. 
 
 LESSON #1
Don't Worry About Clutter & Crazy - your unexpected company came to see you & realizes life happens. 

LESSON #2
Do Welcome Them With a Smile & Act As If Jesus "dropped by." Try to slow down and ask about his day as you would if it were Jesus. It made no sense to stress & frantically clean when he had already seen the state of my house and came in anyways :) Remember they came to see you not your home. 

LESSON#3
Don't be Afraid to put Kids in Time-Out When Company Is Over. So in this season of life we are in, it seems each time we have company over my kids test the waters. Curious if they will go in time out while we chat with company. It is so important, Moms, to remind your little ones that even if company over our "family rules" remain. 
*NOTE- "Pre -Activity", warning kids of expected behavior/consequences for misbehaving, ahead of time always helps kids to align with the rules better.

So last night was no different, my son decided to jump on our couch around our company (he was so excited) even after warned time-out would be the consequence. He spent 4 minutes in his room and came out ready to obey in the presence of our company. Consistency is key, Mommies :)

LESSON #4
Do Take a Break & Enjoy Their Unexpected Stop
Stop the routine and sit down. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with your friend who came by. Allow a break in your day to entertain someone... in the name of Jesus ;) Refresh them and you too will be refreshed. They may need a word of encouragement or maybe they brought one for you! 

How do you handle unexpected company stopping by?

Remember your little ones are watching and will do as you do.

Mom, when was the last time you took a "coffee break" with a friend and allowed yourself to be refreshed? 

Learning Lessons the Hard Way

No discipline

seems pleasant at the time,

 but painful.

 Later on, however, 

it produces a harvest 

of righteousness and peace 

for those who 

have been trained by it. 

- Hebrews 12:11

It was a week ago that I shared the happy news that our family moved over to beautiful Naples, Florida. We are loving it here. The house (even though I thought it was too small at first), the neighborhood, the new friends, the parks, the beaches, and many other reasons as well. 

My husband and I have adjusted quite well, but my boys have been acting out as they are getting acclimated to our new life. It has been trying and I have cried, many days feeling helpless. It has been draining to see my son try my patience as he has disobeyed, what seems like, everything I say. Many times my emotions got the best of me and I said things that I later apologized for. 

A few days ago I got it: REVELATION from the LORD. I have a choice each moment in my parenting frustration. Either I can speak out in the midst of my raw emotion with frustration or choose to pause, breath, and reach out to pray with and for my child. 

I decided that I would allow moments of frustration in parenting to be an opportunity for prayer with my child. I want my children to look back and think about how their mom prayed in times of crazy instead of remembering me yelling  out about the disappointment. This revelation was an eye opener and one I pray you will try as well. 

Pray with your kids. On those days you are feeling overwhelmed as your kids try you at every level...stop and pray with them. Let them see you vulnerable and asking Christ for help. 

Allow trials (as exhausting as they may be) during your day to bring you to your knees, together, with your little ones and allow them to see your dependence on the One who gives you supernatural mommy strength. Pray out loud and praise Him for your kids (that drive you to a closer relationship with the Savior).

What is Jesus saying to you through this blog?

What do you think the Lord wants you to do about it?

SLOW DOWN....They are Listening!

Last night we went to church to hear a friend who was doing the message. We got there early which was such a blessing. It seems whenever I am walking into the building my mind is racing in a million directions. Sippy cups, diaper, stroller all in a hurried mess to get my kids to class. I think my mind is so rushed I miss many people and things going on right in my "line of fire" as I am blazing past all of humanity with the hopes of not being late to service. Many times I am so unfriendly, to my own family and friends I run into, because I am rushing!

This night was different. Because we were early, and walking at a normal pace, my son noticed and blurted out how the couple sitting on the bench were smoking cigarettes. I tried to "shhhh" him as we walked past them with hopes he wasn't embarrassing them or us. We have talked about smoking and how it is bad and hurtful to our bodies. In past we have prayed for those who smoke in hopes they stop.


As I entered the building and turned around to make sure we were all inside, I noticed my son lifting up a small prayer for those two. He prayed they wouldn't smoke anymore and for their bodies to be healthy. It was in that moment I realized.....he is listening. I was so blessed. He gets it. We pray for those struggling. Sometimes, as parents, we feel messages go in one ear ....and fly out the other. But moms....they are listening. They are watching. They will mimic how we choose to look at sin. They will pray for it if we choose to. 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11


Three lessons learned from my experience last night....
1. SLOOOOOOOOWWWWW down and take notice 
    of details & the people HE has placed around your family.
    ps. It's not all about you :) Keep your eyes open! You may 
         be surprised how HE uses you to bless someone you
         encounter along your path.


2. Get places early. It is a "whole new world." Breathe.
    Your time will be much more enjoyable. You will be 
     much more enjoyable to be around as well!! 
     Give yourself an extra 15 minutes...what a difference!


3.  Your kids are listening. Keep feeding them TRUTH 
      and they will grow fruit that pleases
      their heavenly Father and you too!!