When I first became a Christian our oldest son was a baby and our second child was just a thought. With all of my heart I wanted to stay home with our son. When our second child came along we were broke if I went to work and we were broke if I did not, so I chose to stay home. When our youngest was about 18 months old my husband told me he wanted to go to college. I was not a very good Christian, and I did not want him to go to college because then I would have to go back to work and not be able to stay home with our children (which I thought was very important), I did the smart thing and I prayed, the prayer I am sure was a very selfish prayer, but God knew my heart.
When we looked at our finances and found a cheap and nice place to live (thank you Sandy) I ended up being able to stay at home with our children. God provided the impossible and that was for me to stay home with our children and my husband to go to college full-time and for him to work a part time job. This was back in the '80's when they did not have online classes and working adult colleges like they do now.
During the process of all of this I made some mistakes, and I also learned that God always provides. When my husband first was getting everything ready to go back to school I decided I would get a job as a waitress. I had been a waitress in high school and thought if I worked a few nights a week and weekends I would be able to stay at home with our children and my husband could watch them while I was at work. I call my waitress job my Ishmael. Just like Sara having Abraham go with Hagar, instead of waiting, I took the situation in my own hands, and it was a disaster. I did not like my job, I did not like the manager and I really was not a good witness. My husband ended up calling my manager and telling him that I quit (long story). After I was no longer employed an opportunity arrived for me to work and stay at home.
My Aunt Judy called me and she was working at a factory that sub contracted out wire harnesses to be built. I would get paid for each wire harness I built and I was to build them at home. It was a perfect job for me and my family. My Aunt Judy would call me when there was a wire harness job available, I would load up the kids and drive out to the factory and pick up the job. As soon as I finished the job I would load up the kids, the finished product and take it back to the factory. When I took the finished job back I would get a check. I did not have to wait a week, I would just have to wait for someone to sign the check. God used this job and this time in my life to really teach me about his provision. I would often times pray, Lord we need diapers and milk; then I would get a phone call from Aunt Judy and she would have a job that would pay enough for diapers, milk and a little extra.
God is always faithful even when I am not. My husband and I have been hit with a lot of extra bills and a lot less paycheck lately. I really tried not to fret, but I must admit I did a bit anyway. I prayed. On Thursday night I was listening on the radio and Pastor MacDonald was talking about being content with what we had. I listened and decided that I needed to change my attitude from worry to focusing on the good and the opportunities God laid before me. I woke up Friday morning at peace with a good attitude. At about noon on Friday my husband forwarded me an email from his boss, and the email was about a 2010 bonus he would be getting on Monday. When I read it I cried. God provided, just as He always has, but I just needed a refresher course.
Psalm 68:10 and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Lesson Learned From A Two Year Old
I had the privelege of being in the 2 year old room for a few hours this week. It is always fun and exhausting; to put it mildly, you never know what will happen. For those of you who have never had the privelege of teaching in a 2 year old room, I will explain some of the basic rules. The ratio of 2 year old children to teacher is; 1 teacher to 8 children. All of the toys in the room are the teachers toys and she lets her friends (the 2 year olds) play with her toys. Because all of the toys are the teachers toys it gives the teacher the authority over the toys. The main goal of the classroom sometimes is to make sure the 2 year olds don't kill each other. Because most 2 year olds are not potty trained you have to change a lot of diapers.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the 2 year old class, I would like to share a lesson I learned from a 2 year old. I was changing a diaper. When changing a diaper I make sure I can keep my eyes on the other children. I noticed one child (we shall call him C) threw a plastic apple accross the room (that is against the rules). As the apple went flying accross the room another child (we shall call him D) was playing nicely at the table with a car. D saw the plastic apple go flying accross the room and got up to get the apple and take it back to C. As D got up to get the apple, C noticed the car on the table and grabbed it and was on his way to go play with the car D had. D came back and saw that C had the car. D was mad and he took the apple and had it in a throwing position that was aimed at C. When I saw this I asked D to give me the apple and I would get his car back for him. D heard me (I said it several times). D slowly put down the apple and then he got a look on his face and handed the apple to C, and C gave D the car. I was impressed.
What is the lesson I learned?? Just as in a 2 year old room God owns everything (because it is really His), and when we have something that we value (such as the car D had) and we do what is right (such as going to get the apple) and then someone takes what we value (such as C took the car) we do not have the right to serve our own justice (such as D throwing the apple at C) we need to trust God will make it right (such as letting me get the car back) or do it His way (which is to give C a chance to give back the car and D giving the apple to C).
I hope this story is not too confusing, but it is a lesson I learned from a 2 year old and I wanted to share it. Also Stacey is an awesome 2 year old teacher, she has a true gift.
Proverbs 5:21 For a man's ways arre in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the 2 year old class, I would like to share a lesson I learned from a 2 year old. I was changing a diaper. When changing a diaper I make sure I can keep my eyes on the other children. I noticed one child (we shall call him C) threw a plastic apple accross the room (that is against the rules). As the apple went flying accross the room another child (we shall call him D) was playing nicely at the table with a car. D saw the plastic apple go flying accross the room and got up to get the apple and take it back to C. As D got up to get the apple, C noticed the car on the table and grabbed it and was on his way to go play with the car D had. D came back and saw that C had the car. D was mad and he took the apple and had it in a throwing position that was aimed at C. When I saw this I asked D to give me the apple and I would get his car back for him. D heard me (I said it several times). D slowly put down the apple and then he got a look on his face and handed the apple to C, and C gave D the car. I was impressed.
What is the lesson I learned?? Just as in a 2 year old room God owns everything (because it is really His), and when we have something that we value (such as the car D had) and we do what is right (such as going to get the apple) and then someone takes what we value (such as C took the car) we do not have the right to serve our own justice (such as D throwing the apple at C) we need to trust God will make it right (such as letting me get the car back) or do it His way (which is to give C a chance to give back the car and D giving the apple to C).
I hope this story is not too confusing, but it is a lesson I learned from a 2 year old and I wanted to share it. Also Stacey is an awesome 2 year old teacher, she has a true gift.
Proverbs 5:21 For a man's ways arre in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Your Child's Way
On my way home today I was listening to Chuck Swindoll and he was talking about the Bible verse 'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.' Proverbs 22:6. Many people claim that verse for their wayward child. Chuck explained it a bit differently than most people claim it. I must do this disclaimor and that is I did not hear the whole sermon, but he did say that most people claim this verse without understanding its true meaning.
The part I am going to focus on is 'in the way he should go'. Chuck explained this part as understanding your child's gifts and talents and teach them how to use them. He said that each child God has given you has unique talents and gifts and your job as a parent is to teach your child in the way they should go in those gifts and talents. As a parent you need observe your children and truly see them as a gift from God. See how He has created your children and teach them to use those gifts and talents for God's glory.
If your child sees themselves through the eyes of how God created them it will in the end help them to develop a strong relationship with Him. It will help them to have a healthy self esteem and help them to become who God made them to be. When I say a healthy self esteem I mean to understand that they are God's creation and to give glory where it belongs and that is not in themselves, but in who their creator is.
If you as a parent focus on what your child is not it will bring anger and rebellion, but if you focus on who God made your child to be it will bring a healthy view for your child to see who God made them to be. This does not mean that if your child does not do good in math that you don't teach them basic math so they can balance a check book. It means you focus on the positive gifts and talents and teach your child how to deal with the things that do not come naturally.
I have a cousin whose son was extremely intelligent. He would read encyclopedias for fun. She let him pursue his acedemics wholeheartedly, but she also made him sign up for one sport. He signed up for baseball. He did not make first string, but he did enjoy baseball and it did help round him out. Did she focus on baseball?? No, it was something she felt he needed to do to round out his personality. She did not take away from his gifts and talents, but she did help round off some of the rough edges and help him with physical and social skills.
As a parent observe and find your child's way. Rejoice in your child's way and give glory where it belongs and that is to God. If you do this with each child it will give them a healthy self esteem and a love for God and others in the way God created them.
Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
The part I am going to focus on is 'in the way he should go'. Chuck explained this part as understanding your child's gifts and talents and teach them how to use them. He said that each child God has given you has unique talents and gifts and your job as a parent is to teach your child in the way they should go in those gifts and talents. As a parent you need observe your children and truly see them as a gift from God. See how He has created your children and teach them to use those gifts and talents for God's glory.
If your child sees themselves through the eyes of how God created them it will in the end help them to develop a strong relationship with Him. It will help them to have a healthy self esteem and help them to become who God made them to be. When I say a healthy self esteem I mean to understand that they are God's creation and to give glory where it belongs and that is not in themselves, but in who their creator is.
If you as a parent focus on what your child is not it will bring anger and rebellion, but if you focus on who God made your child to be it will bring a healthy view for your child to see who God made them to be. This does not mean that if your child does not do good in math that you don't teach them basic math so they can balance a check book. It means you focus on the positive gifts and talents and teach your child how to deal with the things that do not come naturally.
I have a cousin whose son was extremely intelligent. He would read encyclopedias for fun. She let him pursue his acedemics wholeheartedly, but she also made him sign up for one sport. He signed up for baseball. He did not make first string, but he did enjoy baseball and it did help round him out. Did she focus on baseball?? No, it was something she felt he needed to do to round out his personality. She did not take away from his gifts and talents, but she did help round off some of the rough edges and help him with physical and social skills.
As a parent observe and find your child's way. Rejoice in your child's way and give glory where it belongs and that is to God. If you do this with each child it will give them a healthy self esteem and a love for God and others in the way God created them.
Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
Today is Valentine's Day. For Valentine's Day this year I wrote a poem for my husband. I came up with the idea to write this poem for two reasons. The first reason is my husband made a comment in passing that I would be better off with another man. It was a comment that stuck with me and made me think that I must not be doing my job as his wife if he thinks that. The second reason is what I heard on a radio program. The radio program I was listening to was 'Intentional Living' with Dr. Randy Carlson. He was talking about marriages and a woman called up telling him that her husband is not spiritual, but she is. She went on to say they did not have much in common. Dr. Randy Carlson then told her to look at what they do have in common, she could not think of anything and then he started naming some things; children, mortgage, marriage, name etc..
The poem I wrote for him was 'You're the Only Man For Me'. In the poem I listed the things that he alone has shared with me. So on Valentine's Day, celebrate love, but more than that celebrate the history you have with the only man for you.
Proverbs 31:12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
The poem I wrote for him was 'You're the Only Man For Me'. In the poem I listed the things that he alone has shared with me. So on Valentine's Day, celebrate love, but more than that celebrate the history you have with the only man for you.
Proverbs 31:12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sins of Our Parents
I had an interesting conversation today with a young mother. She was having several personal issues and she was complaining that she was not getting the support of her Mom. I met this woman about six months ago and she was saying the same thing; that she did not have the support she needed or wanted from her mother. I was honest with her and I told her she probably will never get that support. I think she knew I was telling the truth.
My purpose in visiting this young single mother was she visited church and then she left before the service was over. I was concerned for her and her children and wanted her to know that she was welcome at church and that we were there for her if she wanted. I don't know if she will accept our help or not, that is her choice, but there are several people including me that would like to help her if she wants it.
As a parent I know I am not perfect and I am not always available. When I was raising our sons I knew I needed help and wisdom. My mom was not always the best resource, but that was when I turned to my Aunt Judy. My Aunt Judy was able to fill in the spaces that my mom could not fill. Sometimes your mom is not available or even interested in helping you, but if you look and ask I am sure that there is a mature woman who has raised her children that would love to help you, give you advice and just be there to listen.
My daughter-in-law lost her mom a little over a year ago; I am sure she misses her every day. When God blesses her with children I am sure she will miss her mom even more. I know that she is already building relationships with women at her church who are parents, so she will have the relationships she will need when she wants the advice, help or just someone to listen (I also hope she looks to her mother-in-law).
Your mom may not always be there, look and pray for some other women to help, listen and give advice. You don't have to tackle the mom thing on your own.
As a side note I know a lot of older godly women who would love to come along side young mothers, they just need to be asked.
Titus 2:3-5 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent int he way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
My purpose in visiting this young single mother was she visited church and then she left before the service was over. I was concerned for her and her children and wanted her to know that she was welcome at church and that we were there for her if she wanted. I don't know if she will accept our help or not, that is her choice, but there are several people including me that would like to help her if she wants it.
As a parent I know I am not perfect and I am not always available. When I was raising our sons I knew I needed help and wisdom. My mom was not always the best resource, but that was when I turned to my Aunt Judy. My Aunt Judy was able to fill in the spaces that my mom could not fill. Sometimes your mom is not available or even interested in helping you, but if you look and ask I am sure that there is a mature woman who has raised her children that would love to help you, give you advice and just be there to listen.
My daughter-in-law lost her mom a little over a year ago; I am sure she misses her every day. When God blesses her with children I am sure she will miss her mom even more. I know that she is already building relationships with women at her church who are parents, so she will have the relationships she will need when she wants the advice, help or just someone to listen (I also hope she looks to her mother-in-law).
Your mom may not always be there, look and pray for some other women to help, listen and give advice. You don't have to tackle the mom thing on your own.
As a side note I know a lot of older godly women who would love to come along side young mothers, they just need to be asked.
Titus 2:3-5 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent int he way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Jimbo
I stayed up late one night this last week and was watching a TV show called 'Intervention'. The show is about addicts that are confronted by their families to stop their addictions and get the help they need. The addict is usually unaware that an intervention is about to happen. The family tells the addict the truth about how their addiction is hurting more people than just the addict and is often very emotional. It is used to shock the addict into getting the help that they need.
One of the stories was about a young man named Jimbo. He was addicted to prescription drugs. He would take several more pills than were prescribed and mix them. He said it was the only thing that made him feel good. My thoughts while I was watching this were "Why?". As the show progressed it took a look back into Jimbo's childhood. Jimbo had an awesome mom, she was very involved in her children's lives and Jimbo loved her dearly. Then one day his mom got caught having an affair with Jimbo's Dad's best friend. When the dust had settled his mom moved out to live with the best friend and Dad was devastated. Jimbo spent most of his time comforting and taking care of his Dad.
Less than a year after Jimbo's mom left she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She died within months. Jimbo's comment when talking about his mom was he was better off having her dead. After she died Jimbo went on with his life and got married, bought a house had a good job. He ended up getting an injury playing basketball and was on prescription pain killers and that was the start of his addiction. His sister said he told her that when he took the prescription drugs it was the first time he felt good.
Jimbo ended up losing his job, house and wife. He lives with his Dad and step mom. He even got hit by a train and lost a leg, and he still wants his prescription drugs.
I did not watch the end of the program, my heart was broken. I wonder if his mom would have known what her actions did to her son, if she would have done it to begin with. I am not just blaming the mom, Jimbo chose to not forgive her, and I am sure his Dad fed into his unforgiveness. All the same her simple little selfish choices set in motion devastated lives. Makes one think doesn't it??
Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
One of the stories was about a young man named Jimbo. He was addicted to prescription drugs. He would take several more pills than were prescribed and mix them. He said it was the only thing that made him feel good. My thoughts while I was watching this were "Why?". As the show progressed it took a look back into Jimbo's childhood. Jimbo had an awesome mom, she was very involved in her children's lives and Jimbo loved her dearly. Then one day his mom got caught having an affair with Jimbo's Dad's best friend. When the dust had settled his mom moved out to live with the best friend and Dad was devastated. Jimbo spent most of his time comforting and taking care of his Dad.
Less than a year after Jimbo's mom left she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She died within months. Jimbo's comment when talking about his mom was he was better off having her dead. After she died Jimbo went on with his life and got married, bought a house had a good job. He ended up getting an injury playing basketball and was on prescription pain killers and that was the start of his addiction. His sister said he told her that when he took the prescription drugs it was the first time he felt good.
Jimbo ended up losing his job, house and wife. He lives with his Dad and step mom. He even got hit by a train and lost a leg, and he still wants his prescription drugs.
I did not watch the end of the program, my heart was broken. I wonder if his mom would have known what her actions did to her son, if she would have done it to begin with. I am not just blaming the mom, Jimbo chose to not forgive her, and I am sure his Dad fed into his unforgiveness. All the same her simple little selfish choices set in motion devastated lives. Makes one think doesn't it??
Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Peer Pressure
I was fortunate and blessed enough to home school our sons until they were in middle school. Home schooling is not for everyone, but I definitely felt the call to do it. I tell people who are thinking about home schooling that if you do it through 4th grade it is great and anything beyond that is icing on the cake. The reason I say that is I think when you home school you give your child a definite sense of who they are and a strong sense of family and it seems to be established by the time they are in 5th grade.
What does home schooling have to do with peer pressure??? I think children who are home schooled are less likely to give in to the wrong type of peer pressure because they have a strong sense of who they are and their family. Instead of being followers they become leaders because they know who they are. Also if a parent takes the time, energy and effort to home school their children, they are going to be involved in that childs life and activities to guide them to the best decisions.
Can only home schooled children with stand negative peer pressure?? No, it is not just home schooled children. I think if a child has a loving and strong family life then they will be less likely to give in to negative peer pressure. In order to have a loving and strong family life parents have to invest time, energy and effort into their children and their family life. Parents who are involved in their children's lives are telling their child that they (the children) are important and that gives the child a strong sense of self worth.
There is a difference between being involved and being a 'hover mother'. Being involved means you are there at the soccer games to encourage your child, a 'hover mother' not only goes to the soccer game, but tries to tell the coach what to do and demands that her child be put in the game. Being involved means sometimes watching your child fail, but being their to help them pick up the pieces; a 'hover mother' will not allow her child to fail.
By being an involved parent, having a strong family and giving your child a strong Biblical self worth can give your child the tools they need to resist negative peer pressure.
Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
What does home schooling have to do with peer pressure??? I think children who are home schooled are less likely to give in to the wrong type of peer pressure because they have a strong sense of who they are and their family. Instead of being followers they become leaders because they know who they are. Also if a parent takes the time, energy and effort to home school their children, they are going to be involved in that childs life and activities to guide them to the best decisions.
Can only home schooled children with stand negative peer pressure?? No, it is not just home schooled children. I think if a child has a loving and strong family life then they will be less likely to give in to negative peer pressure. In order to have a loving and strong family life parents have to invest time, energy and effort into their children and their family life. Parents who are involved in their children's lives are telling their child that they (the children) are important and that gives the child a strong sense of self worth.
There is a difference between being involved and being a 'hover mother'. Being involved means you are there at the soccer games to encourage your child, a 'hover mother' not only goes to the soccer game, but tries to tell the coach what to do and demands that her child be put in the game. Being involved means sometimes watching your child fail, but being their to help them pick up the pieces; a 'hover mother' will not allow her child to fail.
By being an involved parent, having a strong family and giving your child a strong Biblical self worth can give your child the tools they need to resist negative peer pressure.
Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
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