As a mother, I think I tend to dwell on my kiddo's negatives a lot. I know it's because I'm trying to help them work on them. I know I want to be a good mother. Sometimes there's just times when your children do something and you're like "WOW, that was a blessing!" You really see something come out of them that you tried to sow in to them. Make sense?
We had a time like this on this past Friday. My hubby of course was at the homeschool convention and I heard we were suppose to be getting bad storms. Well, at our house when there are bad storms coming we have to make sure the drain is cleaned off at the bottom of our basements steps that are outside.
When I checked the drain, it needed to be cleaned off and there was debris on the steps as well. That debris could cause us big problems by getting washed down the steps and onto the drain. Well, I did not want to do this nasty job.
I called John and told him that daddy was away and that I needed a job done that a man does and he was the only man home (maybe it helped that we've been reading Old Yeller aloud at night and the boy takes care of the farm while his daddy is away). I told him I needed the drain and steps cleaned off. He said, "Yes, ma'am." He did not complain. I was expecting a complaint about how nasty the drain was or etc. Not that John complains a lot, but these were the thoughts in my own head about that nasty drain.
John was cleaning and Gracie and I were watering the plants in the backyard. John called, "Mama, come look at what a good job I'm doing." I went over and boy had he been doing a good job. He was doing an excellent job. I told him to make sure to clean off the steps too and to be careful.
We went inside and John said, "Momma, you know how daddy works so hard and has lots of jobs to do? Well, since daddy has so much to do, I want to do this job all the time to help daddy."
This was such a blessing to me. I do tell the children about how hard daddy works and let's get this cleaned up or picked up for when daddy comes home. It was a blessing to see John show some initiative.
When, I told Amos, he was happy too. He also said let's see how he feels in the Fall.
I just wanted to share and also encourage other mommas, just hold on you'll reap what you sow.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
My Hubby
My husband, our friend Matt, and my mother-in-law are at the Columbus Homeschool Convention right now. They aren't just attending, they are sellers this year. This is the first time they've ever gone. You can see a picture of them here. Amos is the one on the right. They are there to sell things for Dr. Sam Gipp who owns Daystar Publishing.
Daystar Publishing has lots of good books and posters. They even have a Bible curriculum for juniors and seniors.
Gracie's favorite poster is "Wait!". She always says she wants to be a momma when she grows up and have ten kids.
When we were visiting with the Gipps at a restaurant, I told Gracie to tell Mrs. Gipp what she wanted to be when she grows up. Gracie then said, "A widow." We all started laughing and of course Gracie did too. She had no idea what she had said. Hey, she's only 3, right?
John's favorite post is "The Force". He's definitely a plane and train man.
I think everyone definitely has a new appreciation for the vendors at homeschool conventions. They do have a hard job!
Daystar Publishing has lots of good books and posters. They even have a Bible curriculum for juniors and seniors.
Gracie's favorite poster is "Wait!". She always says she wants to be a momma when she grows up and have ten kids.
When we were visiting with the Gipps at a restaurant, I told Gracie to tell Mrs. Gipp what she wanted to be when she grows up. Gracie then said, "A widow." We all started laughing and of course Gracie did too. She had no idea what she had said. Hey, she's only 3, right?
John's favorite post is "The Force". He's definitely a plane and train man.
I think everyone definitely has a new appreciation for the vendors at homeschool conventions. They do have a hard job!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What would you do?
After reading Michelle's post on being a Good Samaritan, I thought I'd post about my experience with this.
When I was in the checkout line at Wal-Mart on Tuesday, the lady in front of my did not have enough money to pay for her total. She started to look around for something to take off. She was only short $0.86. I then handed her four quarters. She was able to pay for the her stuff and she left with the change. She was very grateful and kept saying, "God bless you."
I again saw her when I was leaving Wal-Mart she was driving in her car smiling and waving at me.
Where have we come from in our country when these incidents are so rare? I mean I know the Bible says in Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." I know this is all because of sin. So many people are hardened.
I've seen people so frustrated in line because the person in front of them doesn't have enough money. They sigh and shift their weight. I mean do you really think the person without enough money feels great about making everyone wait. I'm sure they don't.
Michelle's post and my experience this week are just a great reminder to me and hopefully those reading to be a little kinder and maybe show God's love to someone. It could lead to a great opportunity to talk to someone about Christ's love. Think about it.
When I was in the checkout line at Wal-Mart on Tuesday, the lady in front of my did not have enough money to pay for her total. She started to look around for something to take off. She was only short $0.86. I then handed her four quarters. She was able to pay for the her stuff and she left with the change. She was very grateful and kept saying, "God bless you."
I again saw her when I was leaving Wal-Mart she was driving in her car smiling and waving at me.
Where have we come from in our country when these incidents are so rare? I mean I know the Bible says in Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." I know this is all because of sin. So many people are hardened.
I've seen people so frustrated in line because the person in front of them doesn't have enough money. They sigh and shift their weight. I mean do you really think the person without enough money feels great about making everyone wait. I'm sure they don't.
Michelle's post and my experience this week are just a great reminder to me and hopefully those reading to be a little kinder and maybe show God's love to someone. It could lead to a great opportunity to talk to someone about Christ's love. Think about it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
He's Still Workin' on Me
It seems like this little song keeps coming to my head. I don't even know all the words or all of the tune. Today I looked it up. I assume it's okay to post on my blog. Here's what I've found.
I know that I won't be "perfect" until my Savior takes me home, but I'm so glad that He hasn't given up on me and that He is so gracious.
HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME
By: Joel Hemphill
CHORUS:
He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.
1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.But I'll be perfect just according to His planFashioned by the Master's loving hands.
CHORUS:
2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I seeMake me wonder why He never gave up on me.He loves me as I am and helps me when I prayRemember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.
CHORUS:
He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.
1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.But I'll be perfect just according to His planFashioned by the Master's loving hands.
CHORUS:
2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I seeMake me wonder why He never gave up on me.He loves me as I am and helps me when I prayRemember He's the Potter, I'm the clay.
CHORUS:
Here's the link to the site I found it on. You can even listen to the tune.
I know that I won't be "perfect" until my Savior takes me home, but I'm so glad that He hasn't given up on me and that He is so gracious.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Are you a Friend?
Today I'm sure my post is going to be scattered in some of what I'm going to say. I'm really using this as a way to get out some of my thoughts lately and hopefully in some small way it will be a blessing to those who read it. I know that there's the possibility that when I put so much of my weaknesses out there that people can use them against me. I know I need not worry about it, but there's still part of me that is concerned when I write this that people will say, "Oh, you just worry too much." My response is yeah I know I do, but He's still working on me. Amen! Plus I know the Lord can use my struggles to be a blessing to others. So here goes.
Have you ever thought much about your relationships with other people? I mean sometimes everything seems really good and you feel like you have a close bond. I would say for me personally, I tend to worry too much over this situation. I worry, do they like me? Do I annoy them? Did I say something to offend them? I know all this worrying is just of the Devil and my own flesh. I know I need to just give it to the Lord. To be honest that's easier said than done sometimes for me.
Do you ever feel like you wouldn't have a relationship with so and so if you didn't do all the work? Do you feel like you're invisible sometimes? Do you feel like no one would care if you ever showed up at church again? Do you always feel self-conscious like your butting in? Again, these are just lies, lies, lies. Isn't it amazing how the Devil wants to deceive us, get us off track?
Now you all have seen a glimpse into the real me. Not very pretty. Huh? What I've realized though is although that person over there seems so happy, so content, they're probably feeling the same things I am. They're feeling insecure about how I feel about them. I'm sure some don't, but this seems like an issue that we as women deal with. My husband assures me that men don't think this way, that they're just friends. He says they're not concerned if so and so doesn't shake their hand and talk to them. What freedom!!
Why have I said all this? If you feel someone doesn't like you, don't pull away from that person. Sometimes this is easier said than done too. It's a natural human response to not want to put yourself out there and be rejected. Is this true love? Not at all. I know I want God's love not love for myself. I want to have God's response, not the natural human response. John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I should be willing to be rejected to try and be a blessing to someone else. It doesn't matter how they respond. It matters that I do the right thing.
It's amazing to me how so many people feel alone in this world. We don't even know it. We just go on feeling like we're the only ones feeling that way. Why? Why do we keep on this type of behavior?
I just want to encourage you, encourage myself to cast aside what we "think" other people actually think about us. Let's worry about what God thinks about us as individuals. Let's remember, Proverbs 18:24, " A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. "
Ultimately people all around us are going through things that we can't even fathom. I know I go through things that others have no idea about. Sometimes it's the people around us who we think are the strongest in their faith that are the ones who are really struggling. What are we doing to be a blessing to those individuals?
My prayer: "O Lord, help me not be consumed with what others think. Let me not be deceived by my emotions and feelings or the Devil's lies. Let me obey what Your Word says. Help me be a friend even when others aren't a friend to me. Help your love to shine through me, that I may bless the one who is lonely. God help me to put others before myself for that's where true JOY comes from."
Ultimately the question really isn't,"Are you a friend?" It really doesn't matter what you or I think. The ultimate question is, "Does God think I'm a good friend?" Now that's convicting.
Have you ever thought much about your relationships with other people? I mean sometimes everything seems really good and you feel like you have a close bond. I would say for me personally, I tend to worry too much over this situation. I worry, do they like me? Do I annoy them? Did I say something to offend them? I know all this worrying is just of the Devil and my own flesh. I know I need to just give it to the Lord. To be honest that's easier said than done sometimes for me.
Do you ever feel like you wouldn't have a relationship with so and so if you didn't do all the work? Do you feel like you're invisible sometimes? Do you feel like no one would care if you ever showed up at church again? Do you always feel self-conscious like your butting in? Again, these are just lies, lies, lies. Isn't it amazing how the Devil wants to deceive us, get us off track?
Now you all have seen a glimpse into the real me. Not very pretty. Huh? What I've realized though is although that person over there seems so happy, so content, they're probably feeling the same things I am. They're feeling insecure about how I feel about them. I'm sure some don't, but this seems like an issue that we as women deal with. My husband assures me that men don't think this way, that they're just friends. He says they're not concerned if so and so doesn't shake their hand and talk to them. What freedom!!
Why have I said all this? If you feel someone doesn't like you, don't pull away from that person. Sometimes this is easier said than done too. It's a natural human response to not want to put yourself out there and be rejected. Is this true love? Not at all. I know I want God's love not love for myself. I want to have God's response, not the natural human response. John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I should be willing to be rejected to try and be a blessing to someone else. It doesn't matter how they respond. It matters that I do the right thing.
It's amazing to me how so many people feel alone in this world. We don't even know it. We just go on feeling like we're the only ones feeling that way. Why? Why do we keep on this type of behavior?
I just want to encourage you, encourage myself to cast aside what we "think" other people actually think about us. Let's worry about what God thinks about us as individuals. Let's remember, Proverbs 18:24, " A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. "
Ultimately people all around us are going through things that we can't even fathom. I know I go through things that others have no idea about. Sometimes it's the people around us who we think are the strongest in their faith that are the ones who are really struggling. What are we doing to be a blessing to those individuals?
My prayer: "O Lord, help me not be consumed with what others think. Let me not be deceived by my emotions and feelings or the Devil's lies. Let me obey what Your Word says. Help me be a friend even when others aren't a friend to me. Help your love to shine through me, that I may bless the one who is lonely. God help me to put others before myself for that's where true JOY comes from."
Ultimately the question really isn't,"Are you a friend?" It really doesn't matter what you or I think. The ultimate question is, "Does God think I'm a good friend?" Now that's convicting.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What our focus should be
Time to Play!
Jen tagged me, so here are my answers! By the way, Jen, I've never been tagged before, so I count it an honor that you've tagged me. Now to think of five people to tag.
Here are the rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player tags 5 people and posts their name, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
What was I doing 10 years ago: I was working at my in-laws Christian school in the learning center. I also taught the gym and music classes.
Five Snacks I enjoy:In a perfect, non weight-gaining world:
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
2. Cool Ranch Doritos
3. Sarah's Peanut Butter Pie (where's the yummy smiley face?)
4. Nachos and Cheese
5. No bake cookies
In the real world:
1. I worry way too much.
2. I hate to put laundry away. (I think it's hereditary,mom)
3. I love to check things off a list
4. I love to read.
5. I don't really like eggs and milk very well (ssshhh, my kiddos don't know)
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Finance lots of missionaries
2. Travel to lots of mission fields (are we seeing a theme here?)
3. Send all my loved ones to see Dr. Clark
4. Buy property and build a house on land that had trees, a pond (hey, even a stream would do for that matter), and it would include some clear land for my children to run free and explore
5. Pay off all my family and friends houses so it could free them up to give more to others
Five jobs that I have had:
1. Baby sitter
2. Pizza delivery person
3. Sales clerk at Dots
4. Answered phones at an insurance office
5. Teacher at Christian School
Three of my habits:
1. Probably check my e-mail too much
2. Use hand sanitizer when we're out (hey, I'm the one that has to deal with the sick kids :)
3. Did I say worrying earlier? He's still working on me, Amen?
Five place I have lived:
I've only ever lived in Ohio. Although we've moved a ton growing up.
What do you want others to get from your blog: Well, I love to keep Aunt Christy (missionary in Mexico) updated with pictures of John and Gracie. My children are such a big part of my heart and I just love sharing what we're doing with other people who are so kind to read. I do want to be an encouragment to wives and mothers as we serve the Lord by serving our husbands and children. This job can be so isolating sometimes and I want others to know that there's someone else going through it too. Your struggles are normal. Plus we only have "one life" let's use it for the Lord.
Five People I am going to tag!: This was really fun, so give it a try.
1. Candace
2. Sheri
3. Jen
4. Ami
5. Bro. Jason (Psst! He's a really talented artist)
Here are the rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player tags 5 people and posts their name, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
What was I doing 10 years ago: I was working at my in-laws Christian school in the learning center. I also taught the gym and music classes.
Five Snacks I enjoy:In a perfect, non weight-gaining world:
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
2. Cool Ranch Doritos
3. Sarah's Peanut Butter Pie (where's the yummy smiley face?)
4. Nachos and Cheese
5. No bake cookies
In the real world:
1. I worry way too much.
2. I hate to put laundry away. (I think it's hereditary,mom)
3. I love to check things off a list
4. I love to read.
5. I don't really like eggs and milk very well (ssshhh, my kiddos don't know)
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Finance lots of missionaries
2. Travel to lots of mission fields (are we seeing a theme here?)
3. Send all my loved ones to see Dr. Clark
4. Buy property and build a house on land that had trees, a pond (hey, even a stream would do for that matter), and it would include some clear land for my children to run free and explore
5. Pay off all my family and friends houses so it could free them up to give more to others
Five jobs that I have had:
1. Baby sitter
2. Pizza delivery person
3. Sales clerk at Dots
4. Answered phones at an insurance office
5. Teacher at Christian School
Three of my habits:
1. Probably check my e-mail too much
2. Use hand sanitizer when we're out (hey, I'm the one that has to deal with the sick kids :)
3. Did I say worrying earlier? He's still working on me, Amen?
Five place I have lived:
I've only ever lived in Ohio. Although we've moved a ton growing up.
What do you want others to get from your blog: Well, I love to keep Aunt Christy (missionary in Mexico) updated with pictures of John and Gracie. My children are such a big part of my heart and I just love sharing what we're doing with other people who are so kind to read. I do want to be an encouragment to wives and mothers as we serve the Lord by serving our husbands and children. This job can be so isolating sometimes and I want others to know that there's someone else going through it too. Your struggles are normal. Plus we only have "one life" let's use it for the Lord.
Five People I am going to tag!: This was really fun, so give it a try.
1. Candace
2. Sheri
3. Jen
4. Ami
5. Bro. Jason (Psst! He's a really talented artist)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Reading the Bible
There are some days that for an odd reason my children wake up earlier than normal. I am usually still reading my Bible. I try to finish up even though they are awake. This happened to me this morning. Gracie climbed up beside me. She sat there for awhile. She then said, "Momma, I want to hear you do this." I said, "Do what, Gracie?" Gracie said, "Read the Bible."
Gracie got to hear four chapters read out loud to her from God's Word this morning. She sits very quiet. To be perfectly honest, my carnal mind thinks that children her age would not be interested in just hearing the Bible read aloud. I mean it doesn't have any pictures, right? I'm not explaining anything. I'm just reading. How could they be interested?
I've determined it's just a lie from the Devil. Both of my children have responded well to hearing just God's Word read aloud to them. I know as mothers we always worry about having something on "their level" and I think that's all good too. Just don't let the Devil deceive you into thinking that the Word of God is only for "big" people, because it's not.
Matthew 19:14, But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 10:17, So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Maybe that's why the Old Deceiver is so interested in trying to deceive us mommas. I encourage you to start small, it doesn't have to be four chapter, maybe it'll be four verses. As they use to say all the time, "Just do it."
Gracie got to hear four chapters read out loud to her from God's Word this morning. She sits very quiet. To be perfectly honest, my carnal mind thinks that children her age would not be interested in just hearing the Bible read aloud. I mean it doesn't have any pictures, right? I'm not explaining anything. I'm just reading. How could they be interested?
I've determined it's just a lie from the Devil. Both of my children have responded well to hearing just God's Word read aloud to them. I know as mothers we always worry about having something on "their level" and I think that's all good too. Just don't let the Devil deceive you into thinking that the Word of God is only for "big" people, because it's not.
Matthew 19:14, But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 10:17, So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Maybe that's why the Old Deceiver is so interested in trying to deceive us mommas. I encourage you to start small, it doesn't have to be four chapter, maybe it'll be four verses. As they use to say all the time, "Just do it."
Friday, April 18, 2008
Kids Say the Funnniest Things
My Gracie says the funniest things sometimes. Just this morning I said to Gracie, "One, two, buckle my..." and I paused. Guess what she said! Gracie said, "Buckle my seat belt." We both had a really good laugh. If you know Gracie she has a laugh and a smile that will light up the world. I love your laugh, Gracie girl.My mom and dad had a used bike given to them that needed some repairs before they gave it to Gracie. The other day she said to me, "Momma, Grampy needs to fix my big bike, because it has rips in the saddle." I told you she was a horse lovin' little girl.
Gracie is so much my opposite it seems at times. I just love her for it though. She's got some many of her daddy's positive qualities. What are those? Happy (well, most of the time), always singing, and friendly. She reminds me of a horse herself, always galloping around the house. She's full of life and energy and doesn't seem to have a care in the world. She has a great imagination too. I love you, Gracie!!!
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