Well today is my baby's first official day of potty training. She is 2 years and 5 months old. She really hasn't shown a lot of interest; but I thought I would try it anyway.
She woke up this morning and I told her "No more pull ups". At first she fought me a little about having to go without a diaper...she said her hiney was cold LOL!!! After I put a pair of leggings on her she was fine. I then proceeded to pump her full of juice. Some say to limit their juice intake; but I have found that they learn what it feels like to need to go quicker when it is happening more often. It worked for Sophia so why not try it again. She had about 4 accidents and each time I would holler RUN TO THE POTTY...RUN RUN RUN!!! :o) I'm sure we looked quite ridiculous; but there she would go...full speed... going potty all the way with mommy and big sister close behind!!!! LOL.
After a few times of this she shocked me by just jumping up...she said she had to go potty...took off running...and made it to the potty!!! After which she received a special "Potty Dance" courtesy of her mom and big sister!!! She then got a couple M&M's after for doing such a good job.
She has sense gone #2 as well today. I did have to take her and encourage her to do it when I could tell she needed to; but we'll worry about her feeling that tomorrow. For now I wanted her just to go since I know some kids are a little scared of that part.
She is down for a nap (which I am sure she probably will not make it through without an accident; but she may surprise me) and so far so good.
I did pray for both of us this morning...that I could be patient and that she could get the concept down. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer in the little things :o)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Today has been a good day!! Lastnight we heard about the promises of God and that if we believe on them He promises not to fail to reward. We sang "He That Overcometh", "He That Believeth", and "I Believe In a God". I don't remember ever feeling the Lord back something up so strongly. It seemed like He was telling all of us "You CAN do this!!! Just believe in the promises I have given you. They ARE true...I WILL NOT fail!!!" Then to back that up Bro. Brown gave a WONDERFUL message!!!! Words can not even describe how much I gained from this service. As he walked us through the Bible I felt my mind just open up and take it all in!! It was...life changing!! Then today I felt the Lord saying "Keep believing." I would come to a situation and the words JUST BELIEVE echoed in my heart!!! He helped me every step of the way!!! I also had this song come to me as I was praying.
"We have a wonderful Savior. He's on His throne. He will never forsake us. Nor leave us alone. He gave a wonderful promise. HE CANNOT FAIL. And by His SPIRIT we SHALL prevail!!!!!"
I recommend ordering the service - Humble 9-25-2011
Sis. Laura Walters can help you out :o)
When you know the tricks used against you, then you know just what weapon to use to fight back with. Today I used Reading, Prayer, and Songs.
"We have a wonderful Savior. He's on His throne. He will never forsake us. Nor leave us alone. He gave a wonderful promise. HE CANNOT FAIL. And by His SPIRIT we SHALL prevail!!!!!"
I recommend ordering the service - Humble 9-25-2011
Sis. Laura Walters can help you out :o)
When you know the tricks used against you, then you know just what weapon to use to fight back with. Today I used Reading, Prayer, and Songs.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Climb Up a Little Bit Higher
Sometimes the Lord lets you know in His own special way that He is on your side. At 2:00 am on my birthday 9-11-2011 the Lord gave me this little chorus. I thought it was significant that He says two times "He is with you"...I felt like He was making this point to me to keep on going :o) Thank you Lord for my little birthday blessing :o)
"Climb up a little bit higher
Lay down your heavy load.
For He is with you
And you are not alone.
The way may be narrow
And the travelers are few;
But the Lord is with you
And He will see you through."
"Climb up a little bit higher
Lay down your heavy load.
For He is with you
And you are not alone.
The way may be narrow
And the travelers are few;
But the Lord is with you
And He will see you through."
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Was asked at a wedding if I had any advice for the new couple. I thought to myself YES let me write you a book of all the lessons I have learned from the things I have done wrong in 12 years; but one thing struck me as very important.
Learn to stop and listen and to be willing to say your sorry when needed. Try not to discuss things in the heat of the moment. Give the Lord room to deal with you and try to listen for his leading in any "discussion" you are having.
Phillip and I are both very hot tempered and sometimes just fly off the handle at each other. That is when darts are thrown instead of charity being practiced. We both fail at restraint sometimes (a lot of the time); but are learning that when we really slow down and do our best not to injure each other in the process we get a lot more accomplished. Things, issues; and misunderstandings can be resolved when both parties are willing to stop and really listen to the words the other person is saying...without injecting our own feelings into the situation.
When you can admit to each other when you've done something wrong and really trust that they wont use it against you, your walk is so much sweeter :o) You love each other. You are both doing your best to serve the Lord. Sometimes it is easy to be "ALL YOURSELF" with the one you love and you forget that he/she is also your brother/sister in the Lord. If there is anyone that you are to do your best to show charity with...to practice the things you've been taught on how to treat someone it should be your best friend...your traveling partner...your spouse.
We of course are NOT there yet at all; but we are learning together.
Learn to stop and listen and to be willing to say your sorry when needed. Try not to discuss things in the heat of the moment. Give the Lord room to deal with you and try to listen for his leading in any "discussion" you are having.
Phillip and I are both very hot tempered and sometimes just fly off the handle at each other. That is when darts are thrown instead of charity being practiced. We both fail at restraint sometimes (a lot of the time); but are learning that when we really slow down and do our best not to injure each other in the process we get a lot more accomplished. Things, issues; and misunderstandings can be resolved when both parties are willing to stop and really listen to the words the other person is saying...without injecting our own feelings into the situation.
When you can admit to each other when you've done something wrong and really trust that they wont use it against you, your walk is so much sweeter :o) You love each other. You are both doing your best to serve the Lord. Sometimes it is easy to be "ALL YOURSELF" with the one you love and you forget that he/she is also your brother/sister in the Lord. If there is anyone that you are to do your best to show charity with...to practice the things you've been taught on how to treat someone it should be your best friend...your traveling partner...your spouse.
We of course are NOT there yet at all; but we are learning together.
Monday, September 5, 2011
WHY I Fight
Sometimes I ask myself “why do I even try”?
Today I was thinking about that and some answers started coming to me…
WHY I Fight?
I am fighting for: A marriage that this world says that I don’t even have to if I don’t want to.
I am fighting for: Children that this world says their generation isn’t even worth it anymore.
I am fighting for: A salvation that this world says doesn’t exist and the devil tries to convince me daily that I will never obtain.
I am fighting for: A life that this world does everything it can to destroy by promoting and pouring corruption into every aspect of our daily lives.
I am fighting for: The right to worship the Lord in everything that I do.
I am sure that there are many more; but these are some of the reasons why I get up and try again every day. These are reasons why I bow my knees in prayer for strength to be what the Lord has asked me to be. These are reasons why I take the time every day to open my Bible and search for the nourishment that will help me make it that day.
Day in and day out these are the reasons why I try.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
I have been known to say to new wives
"Don't make a habit of anything
you don't want to be expected to do for the next 50 years".
I would like to change my philosophy if I may...
"Start and work on these habits when you're first married
so fifty years from now they will not seem like habits;
but instead special acts of love".
Friday, August 12, 2011
Friends
I would like to take the time to say something about friendship.
I have been very blessed in my life to have some amazing women in my life. These women walk in the same shoes as I do so to speak (or have in the past). They are all striving for a prize that cannot be measured by man. They do this while working, or staying at home. While being wives, or preparing to be wives. While raising children, or once again preparing to raise them. These women are the cream of the crop. They are called, chosen; and becoming faithful to things that the Lord requires in their lives.
I say that I am blessed to know these women because they encourage me to be a better person. They are there when I need to talk and they are not afraid to talk when I need to listen. Even if they don't agree with everything that I do or say...they are still THERE.
Even if we don't speak EVERY service for lengthy amounts of time, just seeing them across the room sometimes gives me the very strength I need.
They are strong, steady; and true friends. I get to work beside them in this life and someday WHEN we get to see Jesus I know that they will be standing there beside me. Ready to work in the next!! :o)
So to you...my friends...I say thank you. Thank you for being a friend to me and hopefully I can be a friend to you.
I have been very blessed in my life to have some amazing women in my life. These women walk in the same shoes as I do so to speak (or have in the past). They are all striving for a prize that cannot be measured by man. They do this while working, or staying at home. While being wives, or preparing to be wives. While raising children, or once again preparing to raise them. These women are the cream of the crop. They are called, chosen; and becoming faithful to things that the Lord requires in their lives.
I say that I am blessed to know these women because they encourage me to be a better person. They are there when I need to talk and they are not afraid to talk when I need to listen. Even if they don't agree with everything that I do or say...they are still THERE.
Even if we don't speak EVERY service for lengthy amounts of time, just seeing them across the room sometimes gives me the very strength I need.
They are strong, steady; and true friends. I get to work beside them in this life and someday WHEN we get to see Jesus I know that they will be standing there beside me. Ready to work in the next!! :o)
So to you...my friends...I say thank you. Thank you for being a friend to me and hopefully I can be a friend to you.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Walkin' Out of the Valley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tizwr1BF6mM
Sometimes when you’re in the valley you can get so comfortable that you can’t get out. You may SEE that you’re in the valley, and KNOW that you should get out; but you’ve tried to get out before…you know how hard it is and you just would rather not try.
I know what it is like to live there. You are absolutely miserable and you know because you’ve been taught how to get out of the valley; but you just don’t have the energy anymore to do the work. You are spiritually iron deficient :o)
I recently had some health issues that required some blood work to be done. You see I was having some symptoms that were making me sick and I couldn’t diagnose it on my own so I had to go see the doctor. (Literally; but I am using this experience to get across a spiritual point) The doctor ran several tests to determine what was wrong. A little bit like the candle of the Lord searching out the very inward parts of our soul. When the results came back I was extremely low on iron. He began to explain my symptoms:
Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.
Shortness of breath during exercise.
Headache.
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability.
Dizziness.
I was shocked to find that this deficiency in one little area had caused all these little symptoms. Who knew that something so simple could make so much of a difference in the way I felt and acted.
(Are you getting the picture yet?)
The same thing can happen to you spiritually. You can be lacking in an area…prayer, fasting, reading, faithfulness etc…and it can have extreme side effects. This is why if you are in the valley sometimes it is just easier to give up. You are lacking in the areas that give you the strength to fight.
What did my doctor prescribe? A supplement that I have to take EVERYDAY to replenish and maintain what I have lost. Eventually my health will be back to normal; but if I fail to maintain my supplements I will be right back in the same condition.
I was sitting and thinking about this today and it occurred to me that you have to DECIDE to do the work. You can’t just say “Oh yes…that is what I need to do and not do it”. My iron will not be assimilated by osmosis…it must be ingested!!
If you turn to the Lord and take that one step…ask Him to help you find the strength you lack…then He will meet you. I just read this today:
Psalm 34:6-7
- This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
- The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:15
- The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
What does this mean? That if you are trying to do things right the Lord WILL hear you. One thing I keep trying to instill in my girls is that mistakes happen. Our ultimate goal is to no longer make them; but while you are learning they will happen. The key is to be like David and when you have made a mistake, fall on your face before the Lord and repent. Acknowledge what you’ve done and get up.
Several times the Lord pleaded with Israel and told them that if they would repent and TURN from their wicked ways that He would restore them. First we must repent; but then we must turn away from those old habits and desires. If we do that then He has promised to give us more than those things could ever bring. Joy, peace, happiness; and ultimately ETERNAL LIFE!!!
I could give you several examples in my own life where the Lord has dealt with me in a church service, and then blessed me abundantly; but then when I get home I automatically start the same routine. For me it’s not what you call an big bad obvious sin; but it's something that the Lord is asking me to limit my exposure to. He is asking me to quit filling my mind up with things that are not Him.
I testified a couple weeks ago about that little voice inside you that says “No No” when you’re about to do something He doesn’t approve of. It was mentioned about walking in the spirit and I thought how do you do that?? You learn to walk in the spirit by listening to that little voice and obeying it. That voice is the spirit of the Lord trying to direct you, and when you learn to listen and obey that voice (even in the little things that seem silly) you will be walking in the spirit.
Be encouraged and turn your eyes to the Lord. He will help you :o)
Sometimes when you’re in the valley you can get so comfortable that you can’t get out. You may SEE that you’re in the valley, and KNOW that you should get out; but you’ve tried to get out before…you know how hard it is and you just would rather not try.
I know what it is like to live there. You are absolutely miserable and you know because you’ve been taught how to get out of the valley; but you just don’t have the energy anymore to do the work. You are spiritually iron deficient :o)
I recently had some health issues that required some blood work to be done. You see I was having some symptoms that were making me sick and I couldn’t diagnose it on my own so I had to go see the doctor. (Literally; but I am using this experience to get across a spiritual point) The doctor ran several tests to determine what was wrong. A little bit like the candle of the Lord searching out the very inward parts of our soul. When the results came back I was extremely low on iron. He began to explain my symptoms:
Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.
Shortness of breath during exercise.
Headache.
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability.
Dizziness.
I was shocked to find that this deficiency in one little area had caused all these little symptoms. Who knew that something so simple could make so much of a difference in the way I felt and acted.
(Are you getting the picture yet?)
The same thing can happen to you spiritually. You can be lacking in an area…prayer, fasting, reading, faithfulness etc…and it can have extreme side effects. This is why if you are in the valley sometimes it is just easier to give up. You are lacking in the areas that give you the strength to fight.
What did my doctor prescribe? A supplement that I have to take EVERYDAY to replenish and maintain what I have lost. Eventually my health will be back to normal; but if I fail to maintain my supplements I will be right back in the same condition.
I was sitting and thinking about this today and it occurred to me that you have to DECIDE to do the work. You can’t just say “Oh yes…that is what I need to do and not do it”. My iron will not be assimilated by osmosis…it must be ingested!!
If you turn to the Lord and take that one step…ask Him to help you find the strength you lack…then He will meet you. I just read this today:
Psalm 34:6-7
- This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
- The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:15
- The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
What does this mean? That if you are trying to do things right the Lord WILL hear you. One thing I keep trying to instill in my girls is that mistakes happen. Our ultimate goal is to no longer make them; but while you are learning they will happen. The key is to be like David and when you have made a mistake, fall on your face before the Lord and repent. Acknowledge what you’ve done and get up.
Several times the Lord pleaded with Israel and told them that if they would repent and TURN from their wicked ways that He would restore them. First we must repent; but then we must turn away from those old habits and desires. If we do that then He has promised to give us more than those things could ever bring. Joy, peace, happiness; and ultimately ETERNAL LIFE!!!
I could give you several examples in my own life where the Lord has dealt with me in a church service, and then blessed me abundantly; but then when I get home I automatically start the same routine. For me it’s not what you call an big bad obvious sin; but it's something that the Lord is asking me to limit my exposure to. He is asking me to quit filling my mind up with things that are not Him.
I testified a couple weeks ago about that little voice inside you that says “No No” when you’re about to do something He doesn’t approve of. It was mentioned about walking in the spirit and I thought how do you do that?? You learn to walk in the spirit by listening to that little voice and obeying it. That voice is the spirit of the Lord trying to direct you, and when you learn to listen and obey that voice (even in the little things that seem silly) you will be walking in the spirit.
Be encouraged and turn your eyes to the Lord. He will help you :o)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In the Midst of It All...
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!
I can feel the Holy Ghost everytime I listen to this. Isn't this what it's all about. Looking past everything and raising our hearts in praise for the fact that HE IS!! So encouraging!! He never promised that we wouldn't have to endure; but He did promise to never leave us in the midst alone. Thank you Lord. Bless your Holy name!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBg8ekzaUuo
I can feel the Holy Ghost everytime I listen to this. Isn't this what it's all about. Looking past everything and raising our hearts in praise for the fact that HE IS!! So encouraging!! He never promised that we wouldn't have to endure; but He did promise to never leave us in the midst alone. Thank you Lord. Bless your Holy name!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBg8ekzaUuo
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I Will Follow Thee
I will...I will follow thee!!!
Over mountains high
And through the stormy sea.
And when I hear your voice Lord
NO MATTER HOW I FEEL
I will lay my burdens down
And I will follow thee.
No matter how I feel...
No matter if I am tired...I will keep a good attitude...
No matter if I am frustrated with my children...I will still gather them in my arms and hold them tight...
No matter if I have a right to say something...I will keep my mouth shut...
No matter if I have told them a thousand times...I will tell them one thousand and one more...
No matter if the world says I can't make it...I will still strive...
No matter if I feel that I can't go another step...I will take one more step...He'll take two...
No matter if I have fought this battle over and over...I will fight it again until I overcome it...
I will lay down all the feelings and thoughts that oppress me and I will follow the Lord!!
I CHOOSE to follow the Lord.
I CHOOSE to overcome my flesh.
I CHOOSE to fight the good fight.
It is my CHOICE to follow the Lord.
Help me Lord to say yes.
Over mountains high
And through the stormy sea.
And when I hear your voice Lord
NO MATTER HOW I FEEL
I will lay my burdens down
And I will follow thee.
No matter how I feel...
No matter if I am tired...I will keep a good attitude...
No matter if I am frustrated with my children...I will still gather them in my arms and hold them tight...
No matter if I have a right to say something...I will keep my mouth shut...
No matter if I have told them a thousand times...I will tell them one thousand and one more...
No matter if the world says I can't make it...I will still strive...
No matter if I feel that I can't go another step...I will take one more step...He'll take two...
No matter if I have fought this battle over and over...I will fight it again until I overcome it...
I will lay down all the feelings and thoughts that oppress me and I will follow the Lord!!
I CHOOSE to follow the Lord.
I CHOOSE to overcome my flesh.
I CHOOSE to fight the good fight.
It is my CHOICE to follow the Lord.
Help me Lord to say yes.
Confessions of a Burnt Out Momma with Renewed Conviction
Well...here I am again. It seems like it has been a long time since I have written anything. It's not that I didn't have anything to say; but more like I was working on a testimony :o) Still am.
I wrote a post a while back about trying to juggle...well even as I wrote that post I still was doing my best to maintain everything.
Recently we went out of town for a week and left our children at home with their grandparents. Were we ever in for a surprise. I know that my children are just children; but it seems like the Lord has been magnifying some things for me that are developing in their character. I feel like He gave us an object lesson so that we can re-evaluate our parenting strategy. I know that our parents may dispute this; but I was shocked at the way that our children treated them. They were down right disrespectful at times. Grant it my children are only 2 and almost 4; but I can see patterns that are developing in them that if we don't start working on, they will shape their very character.
As I commented on another friends blog I don't want my children to grow up and have no respect for authority.
Monday a week ago was our first day back with our children and I tell you what...they tested and pushed and then did it some more. This made for a very difficult week. We both felt like we were losing a battle with them.
Sunday night as we drove home from a day at church and dinner with friends I started to talk to Phillip about the things we had been observing. That day had been especially eye opening. It seemed that our eldest daughter ignored everything we said or else argued with us consistently every time we told her to do something. As we were heading to dinner that night she proceeded to explain to us how that we were NOT her boss. I don't have to tell you that I had to count to 10 (a couple of times) before I could respond. As we talked I told Phillip that I wasn't sure what to do about it. I felt like she had absolutely no respect for our authority; and that I was worried if we didn't do something it would only get worse.
By the time we arrived at home I felt like the Lord had given us some direction. Here is a little of what we will be working on.
1) CONSISTENCY:
Failure: We both get tired of telling them the same things over and over and over. Sometimes it feels like 100 times a day on one thing. So what do we do...sometimes we just let it slide so we don't have to deal with it.
Result: We have a child who knows that one if she pushes us enough we will give in and two that if we don't give in this time she can ask again and we will most likely give in the next time. She learns that what we say doesn't really matter.
Solution: Stop being lazy and go to work. We are the parents and nobody ever said it would be easy or fun all the time; but none the less IT IS OUR JOB!! We chose to have these children now it's up to us to accept our responsibility and do it right. We are not just raising people; but we are trying to raise Godly children that the Lord can use in His kingdom.
2) TOO MANY CHANCES:
Failure: "Go do _____________!!!" "Did you hear me?" "So and so, GO do ____________________!!!" "If you don't do ____________, you're going to get in trouble." This can go on and on and on.
Result: We now have a child who knows how to stall for time. She knows that if she waits us out we will most likely eventually give up. Later down the road, we have a teenager that when told to do something just stares at us with a blank look on her face or worse yet walks off and ignores what we or any other authority (youth leader, pastor, elder in the church, police, teachers, etc...) has said. Later on the possibility is that we have an adult who refuses council or instruction from anyone...even the Lord. Why should they care it's been "THEIR" way all their life. They don't believe in consequences because there were never any there. Sobering!!
Solution: Teach them that every act of disobedience or disrespect has a consequence; and then act on that consequence as soon as the offense is committed. This also ties right in with your consistency. We have to follow through or our consequences are just empty threats. I know this is so exhausting at times; but if we fail to do our job right now we will be whining about it later when our children our too old to be taught and we have lost complete control.
Lord help us.
I've added some links to some things I am going to start trying along with the two mentioned above.
They are a chore chart and a discipline chart. Also, there is an idea I saw somewhere for something that can be used for older children. It's called a consequence jar. In it are things that no one likes to do like cleaning baseboards, cleaning the toilet, shining the silverware, pulling weeds...etc... To me it sounded like a really neat idea. It shows them that they are ultimately in control of whether not they behave; and that there WILL be a consequence for every offense even if they are too big to spank . If they commit an offense then they must go and pick their own consequence. That's just a little food for thought. I may even try this on my oldest with things that she can do. So far I am in search of the thing that works for her.
Also, if you have any suggestions or comments on this subject I would greatly appreciate it. I am trying to find the Lord's guidance for us in this area right now and welcome any heavenly inspired advice :o)
Hope the following links are useful to you.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio.aspx?ID={D90864D9-EE84-45C9-83BD-6438D293F001}
http://www.parentingministry.org/component/content/article/14-main-menu/150-parenting-is-a-ministry-video
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/01/chore-chart-cards.html
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/05/chore-chart-discipline-cards.html
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2010/02/super-mom-vs-abiding-mom.html
I wrote a post a while back about trying to juggle...well even as I wrote that post I still was doing my best to maintain everything.
Recently we went out of town for a week and left our children at home with their grandparents. Were we ever in for a surprise. I know that my children are just children; but it seems like the Lord has been magnifying some things for me that are developing in their character. I feel like He gave us an object lesson so that we can re-evaluate our parenting strategy. I know that our parents may dispute this; but I was shocked at the way that our children treated them. They were down right disrespectful at times. Grant it my children are only 2 and almost 4; but I can see patterns that are developing in them that if we don't start working on, they will shape their very character.
As I commented on another friends blog I don't want my children to grow up and have no respect for authority.
Monday a week ago was our first day back with our children and I tell you what...they tested and pushed and then did it some more. This made for a very difficult week. We both felt like we were losing a battle with them.
Sunday night as we drove home from a day at church and dinner with friends I started to talk to Phillip about the things we had been observing. That day had been especially eye opening. It seemed that our eldest daughter ignored everything we said or else argued with us consistently every time we told her to do something. As we were heading to dinner that night she proceeded to explain to us how that we were NOT her boss. I don't have to tell you that I had to count to 10 (a couple of times) before I could respond. As we talked I told Phillip that I wasn't sure what to do about it. I felt like she had absolutely no respect for our authority; and that I was worried if we didn't do something it would only get worse.
By the time we arrived at home I felt like the Lord had given us some direction. Here is a little of what we will be working on.
1) CONSISTENCY:
Failure: We both get tired of telling them the same things over and over and over. Sometimes it feels like 100 times a day on one thing. So what do we do...sometimes we just let it slide so we don't have to deal with it.
Result: We have a child who knows that one if she pushes us enough we will give in and two that if we don't give in this time she can ask again and we will most likely give in the next time. She learns that what we say doesn't really matter.
Solution: Stop being lazy and go to work. We are the parents and nobody ever said it would be easy or fun all the time; but none the less IT IS OUR JOB!! We chose to have these children now it's up to us to accept our responsibility and do it right. We are not just raising people; but we are trying to raise Godly children that the Lord can use in His kingdom.
2) TOO MANY CHANCES:
Failure: "Go do _____________!!!" "Did you hear me?" "So and so, GO do ____________________!!!" "If you don't do ____________, you're going to get in trouble." This can go on and on and on.
Result: We now have a child who knows how to stall for time. She knows that if she waits us out we will most likely eventually give up. Later down the road, we have a teenager that when told to do something just stares at us with a blank look on her face or worse yet walks off and ignores what we or any other authority (youth leader, pastor, elder in the church, police, teachers, etc...) has said. Later on the possibility is that we have an adult who refuses council or instruction from anyone...even the Lord. Why should they care it's been "THEIR" way all their life. They don't believe in consequences because there were never any there. Sobering!!
Solution: Teach them that every act of disobedience or disrespect has a consequence; and then act on that consequence as soon as the offense is committed. This also ties right in with your consistency. We have to follow through or our consequences are just empty threats. I know this is so exhausting at times; but if we fail to do our job right now we will be whining about it later when our children our too old to be taught and we have lost complete control.
Lord help us.
I've added some links to some things I am going to start trying along with the two mentioned above.
They are a chore chart and a discipline chart. Also, there is an idea I saw somewhere for something that can be used for older children. It's called a consequence jar. In it are things that no one likes to do like cleaning baseboards, cleaning the toilet, shining the silverware, pulling weeds...etc... To me it sounded like a really neat idea. It shows them that they are ultimately in control of whether not they behave; and that there WILL be a consequence for every offense even if they are too big to spank . If they commit an offense then they must go and pick their own consequence. That's just a little food for thought. I may even try this on my oldest with things that she can do. So far I am in search of the thing that works for her.
Also, if you have any suggestions or comments on this subject I would greatly appreciate it. I am trying to find the Lord's guidance for us in this area right now and welcome any heavenly inspired advice :o)
Hope the following links are useful to you.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio.aspx?ID={D90864D9-EE84-45C9-83BD-6438D293F001}
http://www.parentingministry.org/component/content/article/14-main-menu/150-parenting-is-a-ministry-video
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/01/chore-chart-cards.html
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/05/chore-chart-discipline-cards.html
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2010/02/super-mom-vs-abiding-mom.html
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes!!!!
Alt. Verses:
- The reason I sing and shout...
- The reason I testify...
- The reason I speak in tongues...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
The reason I'm in this church...
I don't want to be lost...
I don't want to be lost when Jesus comes!!!!
Alt. Verses:
- The reason I sing and shout...
- The reason I testify...
- The reason I speak in tongues...
Monday, July 4, 2011
Prayer Warriors In Training
I had a neat little experience this morning that I told several of you about already; but I wanted to write it down so that I never forget.
Sometimes you wonder if anything you are doing is sinking in with your children...at 3 and 2 do they even understand the concept of church...God...worship...etc...
As I was sitting in service this Sunday morning (we had an exceptional sermon on being salt of the earth and how to be a light. Also on living what we're preaching. It was sooooo needed by me.) n-e-who. :o) As I was taking all of this in and listening to the song being sung I began to cry and worship the Lord. I had my eyes closed; but felt both my girls gather in close to my lap. They were sitting very still so I kept on praying. Pretty soon I felt a little hand on my wrist and she (Sophia) raised my hand off my lap a little and began rocking it back and forth. She was praying for me :o) Almost instantly Maya took my other hand and followed suit. :o) The were helping their mommy. At that moment of course I couldn't concentrate for smiling; but I was thankful that they had felt comfortable to do that. For the most part I tend to scare the whits out of my children when I pray so it was so sweet that they just stood and held my hands. I thought later as I was telling their Dad about this that you know...they may not KNOW per say about the Holy Ghost...and they may not understand everything that is going on around them yet; but still they FELT something that made them want to come over and hold my hands as I prayed. I closed my eyes and prayed a little more because I didn't want them to feel weird or awkward about what they had done. I never want my kids to feel uncomfortable doing things for the Lord. I want them to always feel free to learn how to move when they feel the Lord deal with them. Who knew that they can learn some of the baby steps to this at such a young age. They (regardless of what others may think) allowed the Lord to move them today. They may not understand anything about what they did. They may even think they were playing a little game (they do this at home...praying for each other); but mommy knows...mommy knows that if she continues to cultivate this in them and allow them to practice that someday they will feel free to let the Lord move them here and there as He pleases.
I needed that today :o)
Sometimes you wonder if anything you are doing is sinking in with your children...at 3 and 2 do they even understand the concept of church...God...worship...etc...
As I was sitting in service this Sunday morning (we had an exceptional sermon on being salt of the earth and how to be a light. Also on living what we're preaching. It was sooooo needed by me.) n-e-who. :o) As I was taking all of this in and listening to the song being sung I began to cry and worship the Lord. I had my eyes closed; but felt both my girls gather in close to my lap. They were sitting very still so I kept on praying. Pretty soon I felt a little hand on my wrist and she (Sophia) raised my hand off my lap a little and began rocking it back and forth. She was praying for me :o) Almost instantly Maya took my other hand and followed suit. :o) The were helping their mommy. At that moment of course I couldn't concentrate for smiling; but I was thankful that they had felt comfortable to do that. For the most part I tend to scare the whits out of my children when I pray so it was so sweet that they just stood and held my hands. I thought later as I was telling their Dad about this that you know...they may not KNOW per say about the Holy Ghost...and they may not understand everything that is going on around them yet; but still they FELT something that made them want to come over and hold my hands as I prayed. I closed my eyes and prayed a little more because I didn't want them to feel weird or awkward about what they had done. I never want my kids to feel uncomfortable doing things for the Lord. I want them to always feel free to learn how to move when they feel the Lord deal with them. Who knew that they can learn some of the baby steps to this at such a young age. They (regardless of what others may think) allowed the Lord to move them today. They may not understand anything about what they did. They may even think they were playing a little game (they do this at home...praying for each other); but mommy knows...mommy knows that if she continues to cultivate this in them and allow them to practice that someday they will feel free to let the Lord move them here and there as He pleases.
I needed that today :o)
Thankfulness
A few words the Lord let me write down tonight...
V.
Lord I can't see around the bend
Or what I'll face ahead
But for today
Tonight Dear Lord
I thank you for
Right where I am.
Ch.
You've saved me
You've touched me
You gave me eyes to see
You placed me in your people Lord
Nowhere else I'd rather be
You filled me with the Holy Ghost
And said come go with me
Now let my life be worthy Lord
A friend of yours to be.
V.
Lord I can't see around the bend
Or what I'll face ahead
But for today
Tonight Dear Lord
I thank you for
Right where I am.
Ch.
You've saved me
You've touched me
You gave me eyes to see
You placed me in your people Lord
Nowhere else I'd rather be
You filled me with the Holy Ghost
And said come go with me
Now let my life be worthy Lord
A friend of yours to be.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Take it to the Lord in Prayer
Today as I was going over some things in my mind and I kept coming back to the thought...
"Lord, I just don't know what to do..."
Over and over and over!!!
As I was sitting there this thought crossed my mind...
"Take it to the Lord in prayer."
I thought yes, that is what I need to do. Our services lately have hinted at our need to really pray for our circumstances. This is something I struggle with. Not really with having to pray; but for remembering that it is necessary. A lot of times I take it for granted that if I take my hands off a situation that the Lord will just take care of it. For the most part this is true...we are to have that kind of trust in Him to take care of our situations. He will meet ALL our needs so we don't have to worry; but I think that sometimes He does want us to pray for our situation.
He will take care of us. He will have His will. He will lead and guide us. We never have to question this; but what if the prayer is for us. I thought about when we pray and take our burdens to Him what do we receive in return?? Peace...comfort...joy...all of these come through prayer. The Lord doesn't necessarily "need" for us to tell Him what we need; but I think that when we take it to the Lord it helps us relinquish control of that situation and really give it to Him. Lord help me let you have my burdens and stop trying to carry them all on my own. Your shoulders are so much stronger than mine.
I have been singing this all day after having this experience and the words ring so true to me...
It was funny...as I was giving the girls a bath tonight my oldest daughter began singing a little song she learned in VBS this week...
"Count your blessings name them one by one.
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings see what God has done."
Out of the mouth of babes...thank you Lord :o)
"Lord, I just don't know what to do..."
Over and over and over!!!
As I was sitting there this thought crossed my mind...
"Take it to the Lord in prayer."
I thought yes, that is what I need to do. Our services lately have hinted at our need to really pray for our circumstances. This is something I struggle with. Not really with having to pray; but for remembering that it is necessary. A lot of times I take it for granted that if I take my hands off a situation that the Lord will just take care of it. For the most part this is true...we are to have that kind of trust in Him to take care of our situations. He will meet ALL our needs so we don't have to worry; but I think that sometimes He does want us to pray for our situation.
He will take care of us. He will have His will. He will lead and guide us. We never have to question this; but what if the prayer is for us. I thought about when we pray and take our burdens to Him what do we receive in return?? Peace...comfort...joy...all of these come through prayer. The Lord doesn't necessarily "need" for us to tell Him what we need; but I think that when we take it to the Lord it helps us relinquish control of that situation and really give it to Him. Lord help me let you have my burdens and stop trying to carry them all on my own. Your shoulders are so much stronger than mine.
I have been singing this all day after having this experience and the words ring so true to me...
It was funny...as I was giving the girls a bath tonight my oldest daughter began singing a little song she learned in VBS this week...
"Count your blessings name them one by one.
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings see what God has done."
Out of the mouth of babes...thank you Lord :o)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Thought for today 6-21-2011
I was sitting in VBS today and had this thought...
"You never know
what God can help you
do until you try."
what God can help you
do until you try."
That's all I have...no big sermon...
Now you you can testify in the comments
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Come ON...You can make it if you try!!!
I had already turned off my computer this evening and was headed to bed when these thoughts began to come to me...
I am so encouraged by what is happening in the church today. I am seeing people really begin to lay down their lives for the Lord. Really get in line with His will for their lives. Old, young, middle aged: whomever, the Lord is really talking to His people. One thing that was said tonight that I really took to heart was that the Lord has knocked now we have to respond. (My words - Not exactly what was said)
I feel like saying...if the devil is fighting you right now and telling you that you can't do this I want you to remember that the LORD HIMSELF brought you here!!
You may say well "I just decided it was time". I don't believe that. I do think that you have to make a conscious decision to follow the Lord; but you can't do that on your own. I believe that the Lord has to give you the desire to even do that. What person is going to just DECIDE to lay down their own flesh?? It is not something that our flesh wants to do!!! The Lord had to fill you with the desire to want to change before you could even make that effort. You have to see your need for Him.
I know that one way that the devil seems to talk to me (and has had success I am sad to say) is by making me feel like I am all alone. I know it's hard to believe; but you can be as loud and crazy as I am and still feel like you are all alone!! I feel like tonight the Lord has given me a weapon against this...
You hear the phrase all the time "you didn't come this way by chance"...
Do you really believe that? I think I do. I was born and raised in the Body of Christ; but I don't believe that it is only because of those things that I am still here. I know that there has been mercy laid up for me and I don't minimize that at all; but I also know that the Lord had to call MY NAME one day. If he hadn't then I would not be here.
If the Lord has taken the time to give you a desire to change and to make you uncomfortable in your life to do so then HE WANTS YOU HERE!!!! He still has a place for you. Respond to the Lord.
DAVITA ARE YOU LISTENING!!!!!!!
I don't believe that He would take the time and effort to make you miserable if He didn't care about you. He is knocking, pounding, kicking in your door!!! He loves you and wants you to make it.
Fire that back at the devil...HE WOULDN'T HAVE CALLED YOU IF HE DIDN'T WANT YOU!!!!
If the Lord has bothered to deal with you and has given you a desire to change then He is there with you. You may not know the plan yet. He may not have discussed all the details with you yet; but HE has a plan!!! You...I...just need to relax and take it one step at a time. If the Lord says do this...do that and then wait for the next instruction.
Sometimes I look at the whole Bible and see this BIG MONSTER of a task that I have to accomplish and I give up. It's to hard. Well yes it's too hard!!! When you look at it like that perfection is impossible; but what is the Lord asking you to do right now?? Do you feel Him asking you to do one thing? Try a different approach...do the one thing He is asking you to do right now and then I bet it will lead you to the next thing. Little by little...Day by day...Jesus is changing me!!! Ask the Lord to clear your mind and let you see that one step He's asking you to make today. Ask Him to block out all that other noise going on and open your eyes a little more. One step...two steps...and one day you'll look back at that impossible task and realize that by following the Lord step by step by step He has brought you through it.
So...be encouraged in the Lord. All is not lost. He STILL is calling your name.
I am so encouraged by what is happening in the church today. I am seeing people really begin to lay down their lives for the Lord. Really get in line with His will for their lives. Old, young, middle aged: whomever, the Lord is really talking to His people. One thing that was said tonight that I really took to heart was that the Lord has knocked now we have to respond. (My words - Not exactly what was said)
I feel like saying...if the devil is fighting you right now and telling you that you can't do this I want you to remember that the LORD HIMSELF brought you here!!
You may say well "I just decided it was time". I don't believe that. I do think that you have to make a conscious decision to follow the Lord; but you can't do that on your own. I believe that the Lord has to give you the desire to even do that. What person is going to just DECIDE to lay down their own flesh?? It is not something that our flesh wants to do!!! The Lord had to fill you with the desire to want to change before you could even make that effort. You have to see your need for Him.
I know that one way that the devil seems to talk to me (and has had success I am sad to say) is by making me feel like I am all alone. I know it's hard to believe; but you can be as loud and crazy as I am and still feel like you are all alone!! I feel like tonight the Lord has given me a weapon against this...
You hear the phrase all the time "you didn't come this way by chance"...
Do you really believe that? I think I do. I was born and raised in the Body of Christ; but I don't believe that it is only because of those things that I am still here. I know that there has been mercy laid up for me and I don't minimize that at all; but I also know that the Lord had to call MY NAME one day. If he hadn't then I would not be here.
If the Lord has taken the time to give you a desire to change and to make you uncomfortable in your life to do so then HE WANTS YOU HERE!!!! He still has a place for you. Respond to the Lord.
DAVITA ARE YOU LISTENING!!!!!!!
I don't believe that He would take the time and effort to make you miserable if He didn't care about you. He is knocking, pounding, kicking in your door!!! He loves you and wants you to make it.
Fire that back at the devil...HE WOULDN'T HAVE CALLED YOU IF HE DIDN'T WANT YOU!!!!
If the Lord has bothered to deal with you and has given you a desire to change then He is there with you. You may not know the plan yet. He may not have discussed all the details with you yet; but HE has a plan!!! You...I...just need to relax and take it one step at a time. If the Lord says do this...do that and then wait for the next instruction.
Sometimes I look at the whole Bible and see this BIG MONSTER of a task that I have to accomplish and I give up. It's to hard. Well yes it's too hard!!! When you look at it like that perfection is impossible; but what is the Lord asking you to do right now?? Do you feel Him asking you to do one thing? Try a different approach...do the one thing He is asking you to do right now and then I bet it will lead you to the next thing. Little by little...Day by day...Jesus is changing me!!! Ask the Lord to clear your mind and let you see that one step He's asking you to make today. Ask Him to block out all that other noise going on and open your eyes a little more. One step...two steps...and one day you'll look back at that impossible task and realize that by following the Lord step by step by step He has brought you through it.
So...be encouraged in the Lord. All is not lost. He STILL is calling your name.
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