Just Sing

Two of our kid's were arguing this morning so I called them upstairs and made them sit together in the hall right by me. The words that came to me were "until 'your relationship' is more important to you both than 'your way' you will both stay (it even rhymed-how cool is that-I could of even broke into a rap song or something-that always drives them nuts but I find it often breaks the fight) Anyways, they continued battling for a bit and they continued to sit. Well the next thing I realize they are singing together (don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken be bold be a bold believer be a bold believer be a bold believer amen amen....) Then Ezra says to me, "mom now we got it going" and I replied, "you got it going eh? OK well of you got it going then you can go." Then they happily went back to their play.

It really hit me, wow, how effective that was. No wonder God calls us together in fellowship often and instructs us to give thanks and praise and worship together. My goodness He really knows what He is talking about eh? 'Can you imagine what it would be like' (as John the Baptist - Al - will be singing soon in 'The Nails') if every time we started to argue everything stopped and we sat down together until we made the Christ like decision for relationships over situations? Oh my gracious God that is what it is going to be like in heaven and that is exactly what happens here on earth when we choose "thy will" instead of "my will."

So lets all sing it now ( to the tune of if your happy and you know it clap your hands) here we go a 1 and a 2 and a 3 Until our relationship is more important than our way, until our relationship is more important than our way, until our relationship is more important than our way, lets sit still together until that day!

Parenting Series Blogs Closing

I will no longer be sharing what I am reading in regards to parenting. It can be an emotionally charged subject with very strong opinions and I am by no means an expert. I want to learn and grow in Christ like living and I am not here to argue parenting styles or anything else for that matter. Life is too short and there is far too much of the Lords work to be done through us for me to get caught up in "my way" vs. "your way" especially when "I" don't have "a way." When we embrace, it is all "His way" I know we will see "thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven". So, I pray that all who are searching for guidance and answers find them in Christ as I am learning. I pray "the peace that passes all understanding" to carry us all through as we learn and grow in Christ. I pray for the protection and blessings from Christ Jesus for all families. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen

Beautiful Friends

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

These two ladies I am blessed to call my friends. We have known each other for over ten years (13 & 11) We finally found a time that we could meet at Starbucks (yes it was Starbucks and not that other unmentionable place-although I would take where ever if it allowed us to have some time together for a visit) Our lives are very busy all of us with families to care for so the time we get to share is very precious indeed. Over the years these women have at many times shared their sisterly love with me and I have been privileged to know them. Jesus has shown His unconditional love to me through the sharing of our friendship. I pray that I can give them the kind of love they have shown me and that I can express to these precious women how dear they are to me. I hold you both in a very special place in my heart. Thank you Karen and Patti for being friends with me. Thank you Jesus for putting such special people in my life.

Parenting Week # 3

"It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18

This weeks reading resources: Growing Kids Gods Way by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo chapter 2

Main points for me:

When there is harmony in the husband-wife relationship, there is an infused stability in the family.

Principles to guide your family

By God's design husband & wife relationship is the first social relationship established in Scripture

By God's design husband & wife relationship is primary in the network of dependent relationships (much of child's basic security depends on what he observes between mom and dad. Went he sees love and affection he feels more secure.

husband & wife relationship must be viewed as the priority relationship in family

all other family relationships are subject to husband & wife relationship. (parental authority is God-given and necessary to enforce God's moral law in the life of a child. Structure and order are important to child development.

child centered parenting creates problems

separates husband & wife relationship and Scripture says "What God has joined together let no man separate" Mark 10:9

reverses the natural process of moral development by prematurely creating a false sense of self- reliance. (child thinks they are self-sufficient before they have established the needed self-control. Self-reliance without self-discipline is dangerous for children

child centered parenting fosters family independence not family interdependence (robs the child the opportunity to learn to invest)

magnifies the natural conflict between the natural way of the child and his need for moral conformity

can be close to idolatry (child's happiness greater goal than his holiness) God not the child needs to be the center of the family universe.

Achieving a Balance and meeting needs.

Life does not stop when we have children (just slow down)

Date night a good idea

Do special things for each other as well as the children

Invite friends over and have children help prepare things (learning to serve others)

Couch time- kid's see mom and dad together enjoying each others company

Observations in our home

we have improved greatly in our parenting skills as we are learning a more Biblical based way of parenting but there is still so much work to be done and room for improvement (baby steps)

This one was tougher for me because I began my parenting as a child centered parent. I did not know anything else. All I knew was that I was terrified and so I needed to hold on to those children with every once of my life energy so they did not get hurt. Well I have learned that doing anything with my strength my way hurts myself and those I love. Even when I am doing it with all the good intentions of my heart. Hmmm let me reflect on this for a moment my pettily human strength vs. God's omni-everything uhh which one would I choose for these children I Love so dearly-I guess it is a no brain er eh.
I am slowly healing from my lack of abilities and Christ is guiding us to all He has for this family. The children are such terrific troopers and God's Grace is truly amazing. So much to learn! Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to grow in Your ways for they really are the only safe place in this world and eternity.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:31

Precious Memories With Family Sans One

"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. " Acts 20:32 (the Message)

Today we went sledding and it was so much fun. I am so thankful for this gift of family our Lord has blessed me with.

Here are some pics. of our winter fun.

1. Had to give hubby a kiss for all the fun we were having.

2. Elisha and Rick wrestling in the snow.

3. Jacob on sled (no fear-despite mommas fear)

4. Momma, Elisha, and Ezra on sled.

5. Cutie hubbilius wubilious.

6. Rick and Donna.

7. Momma-Rick and Elisha are having issues with mommas fashion statement-santa hat in march, colorful wool sweater, leopard print mittens, and "rescue hero" style boots (my feet never get cold in those babies) for some odd reason neither my husband or daughter think I am going to make it for the Gap advertising campaign and I just do not understand why ;o) 8. Momma and Jacob on sled.

Jordan is away at Scout camp so we do miss him but we are looking forward to his safe return tomorrow and we will get to hear about all the fun he had then.

Honoring My Dad and Step Mom

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV)

I love you Dad and Mom. I thank you for taking me in after the death of my mother. Dad I thank you for not giving up when the world got really tough (understatement to say the least). I thank you for being a kind hearted person. Mom I thank you for taking on the responsibility of looking after another child after you had already had three of your own. Your "staying power" is a blessing I carry in my heart. I thank you both for your commitment to each other even when times got rough. I thank you both for working things out. These are just some of the things I see in you both that remind me of the Love of Christ. I pray that you both feel the arms of Jesus holding you warm and close in His Loving and protective arms. The world without His Loving guidance and protection is such a cold and empty place. You are both dearly Loved by Rick and me and our children. This is a big e-hug to honor and remind you of God's Love.

A Prayer For Sultan

"may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ," Ephesians 3:18

I was running to church (literally) the other night when I heard a bus approaching. Even though I was past my stop and had no plans to catch the bus for some odd reason I stopped, turned and waved at the driver. Most drivers would not even stop but for some reason this one did. As the bus pull up I read that the sign said out of service. The driver opened the door and asked me where I was going. I said I was just going up the street to the church. He said I could have a ride IF YOU WILL PRAY FOR ME! I told him I would be happy to pray for Him. I asked what he wanted prayer for. I told him there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of Christ. I told him I was so thankful that Jesus paid the price for our sins because we all have them. He dropped me off right at the church and would not accept my bus tickets! I asked him his name and he told me his name was Sultan. When I got into the sanctuary I looked at the clock and it was exactly 6:45PM. The time I had agreed to be there. I realized I would have been late without that ride. What a blessing. Thank you Sultan. You are in my prayers. Thank you Jesus for giving me the privilege to pray for someone.