The one thing I always remember is that I can't remember anything!
I'm always telling someone that I can't or won't remember something unless I write it down.
It could be something I need to do or even a story or conversation I'm retelling. I will more than likely forget all or part of it.
Tonight, Hubby remembered we had videos due back at the library. The library is only a few minutes away so he was just going to run drop them off before it closed.
A few minutes later, (note: a few minutes) the World Changer comes in looking for Daddy. I said, "I don't know where he is, maybe downstairs."
He comes back and says, "He's not downstairs." I said, "I don't know, try calling him." So he calls and calls his name. No answer. I'm starting to get annoyed that he's not answering and hasn't told anyone where he is.
I start calling him and finally realize, Oh yeah! He went to the library.
Seriously! 34 is too young for this, isn't it?!
September 29, 2008
What if...
What if instead of asking our kids what they want to be when they grow up (implying what career path they want to strive for), we ask them, "What kind of person do you want to be when you grow up?"
Or instead of asking what they want to do when they grow up, what if we ask them, "How do you want to serve Jesus when you grow up?"
Or instead of asking what they want to do when they grow up, what if we ask them, "How do you want to serve Jesus when you grow up?"
September 24, 2008
Our Gift - 5 Years Ago Today
Today was Cutie Pie's 5th birthday. We celebrated with presents and muffins in the morning. This afternoon before church, Mrs. Helton and the boys stopped by bearing gifts. We skipped church because the birthday boy wanted to go bowling. So after eating the cool football field cake that the Lead Dog made (I was at my last photo class and actually didn't even think about a cake), we went to Chick-fil-a and the bowling alley. It was league night aka no lanes available. So the kids played a little in the arcade and we headed home to meet Mamaw and Papaw for more presents.I've decided to change Cutie Pie's code name to World Changer because I'm sure that's what he will be. He will be the one to stand up for what is right when no one else will. He won't back down because of what others think. Hubby and I decided this morning that there is no way anyone has a kid as strong-willed as he is. I would bet lots and lots of money on it. Dr. Dobson would need counseling with this kid.
When he's sweet, you could just eat him up. When he's not, bring on the Valium (for me, not him)! Okay, I don't actually take Valium. I'm not even sure that's the right drug. But I digress...
On this day 5 years ago, our lives changed forever. If we hadn't had the World Changer, we would really think we had it altogether as parents. He has shown us our great need for the Holy Spirit's work and help in our lives. I have been patient beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I have also not been patient but we're not talking about me here. Actually, we probably are. This child is a lot like me!
Our hope is that if he is like me, he will have strong convictions and will want to do what's right and please his Heavenly Father. He'll just have a heck of a time at it. It's hard for people like us. There are many days I wanna be someone else. Oh, how I want to be someone else. How do you balance God-given passion so that it doesn't run wild in wrong directions offending others, embarrassing yourself, and dishonoring your Maker? I know, I know...lots and lots and lots and lots (I could keep going) of prayer and Scripture.
God has done and is still doing a mighty work in me and our prayer for this blessing from God is that we will do everything we should to teach him the right convictions of loving God and loving others, to teach him self-control that I still battle, and to teach him how to run to the only One who can truly help him while in this sinful fleshly dwelling.
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
September 23, 2008
Family Driven Faith & The One We Almost Didn't Have
by Voddie Baucham, Jr. Part 2
I'm loving this book! I just wish we had read it 4 years ago. Here's an exerpt from "The Anti-Child Culture:"
After Bridget became pregnant with our son [their second child], the pressure was on. Countless well-meaning people were whispering in Bridget's ear. Some warned, "Girl, you'd better not get stuck with a bunch of kids." Others tried to be more diplomatic and simply pointed out how much the cost of college tuition had risen, or the price of groceries. Unfortunately, the voices in our ear trumped the voice of God. When Trey was born, we hired a doctor to speak to God on our behalf. He took a scalpel and sutures and told God, "The Bauchams hereby declare that they no longer trust, nor welcome you in this area of their lives."
Years later they tried to get a reversal but it could not be done. He writes...
We cannot go back and undo what we did. However, we can shout from the rooftops until all who hear us know that children are a blessing and that God opens and closes the womb. We must receive children with joy instead of bemoaning their birth.
The size of our families has become a matter of income and convenience. Our attitude toward children is, "A boy for me and a girl for you, then praise the Lord, we're finally through!"
The Bauchams have since adopted 2 more children. And are waiting for more.
This is the child we almost didn't have. I got pregnant with her 2 weeks before Hubby's vasectomy. Our excuse (or mine) was that after having 4 children in just under 4 years, we just couldn't have another one as close. Well we did, and I don't know what I'd do without her. I wonder who else we've missed out on.
I'm loving this book! I just wish we had read it 4 years ago. Here's an exerpt from "The Anti-Child Culture:"
After Bridget became pregnant with our son [their second child], the pressure was on. Countless well-meaning people were whispering in Bridget's ear. Some warned, "Girl, you'd better not get stuck with a bunch of kids." Others tried to be more diplomatic and simply pointed out how much the cost of college tuition had risen, or the price of groceries. Unfortunately, the voices in our ear trumped the voice of God. When Trey was born, we hired a doctor to speak to God on our behalf. He took a scalpel and sutures and told God, "The Bauchams hereby declare that they no longer trust, nor welcome you in this area of their lives."
Years later they tried to get a reversal but it could not be done. He writes...
We cannot go back and undo what we did. However, we can shout from the rooftops until all who hear us know that children are a blessing and that God opens and closes the womb. We must receive children with joy instead of bemoaning their birth.
The size of our families has become a matter of income and convenience. Our attitude toward children is, "A boy for me and a girl for you, then praise the Lord, we're finally through!"
The Bauchams have since adopted 2 more children. And are waiting for more.
This is the child we almost didn't have. I got pregnant with her 2 weeks before Hubby's vasectomy. Our excuse (or mine) was that after having 4 children in just under 4 years, we just couldn't have another one as close. Well we did, and I don't know what I'd do without her. I wonder who else we've missed out on.
September 18, 2008
Goals
Where would we be without goals? You know the saying, "If you shoot at nothing, you're sure to hit it!"
Some goals are simple, some complex. Some are seemingly impossible, while some are a breeze. Some are personal, some involve many people.
Today, I have a goal! Ten loads of laundry done by 7 o'clock tonight! Seemingly impossible? I'll let you know! I'm off to put on my super-laundry-woman cape and conquer the stinch that is...LAUNDRY!
UPDATE: I didn't make it. I got caught up in school and didn't stick to my plan of getting one load in every hour. So at exactly 7:oo the buzzer went off for my 8th load. It took until 8:15 to get the last two done. Still got 10 done today, so I'm glad about that.
Thanks for the cheers!
Some goals are simple, some complex. Some are seemingly impossible, while some are a breeze. Some are personal, some involve many people.
Today, I have a goal! Ten loads of laundry done by 7 o'clock tonight! Seemingly impossible? I'll let you know! I'm off to put on my super-laundry-woman cape and conquer the stinch that is...LAUNDRY!
UPDATE: I didn't make it. I got caught up in school and didn't stick to my plan of getting one load in every hour. So at exactly 7:oo the buzzer went off for my 8th load. It took until 8:15 to get the last two done. Still got 10 done today, so I'm glad about that.
Thanks for the cheers!
September 17, 2008
Photography Class Info
Some of you have asked about the Photography Class I'm taking. If he can get a minimum of 8 people to commit to it, here are the details:
Tuesdays
October 14-November 4
7:00-9:00pm
John Radcliffe Studio off Lee Road
Cost is $100
Last night everything starting making sense - ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, White Balance, Light Exposure. I'm hoping to retake some shots that I took before (when I had no idea what I was doing) and post some before and afters! So you can see proof that it's really helping.
September 16, 2008
Christ in our Home
Our husbands are Christ's representation in our home. Yikes! Do I treat my husband like I would treat Christ if He was walking around in the flesh in my home?
Ephesians 5 (emphasis mine)
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands...and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
I used to believe that respect had to be earned. And in some cases that is true. But in cases of headship and lines of authority, respect is given merely because of the position given by God. And God has put our husbands in a position in which He commands us (not suggests to us) that we respect them and submit to them.
Why do we have such a hard time with this? Lies from the enemy in the forms of worldly counsel and fear.
The world does not tell you that your husband will give account for how he leads your family. And you aren't told that you will be held accountable for how you follow him, support him and help him. You aren't encouraged to make his job as head of your home a little easier by not bucking every decision he makes; by not complaining about everything he does. You are told to look out for #1 - SELF! The Bible teaches us to die to self. In sincerity, ask your husband how you can help him. What are his goals for you family and how can you help him achieve them?
We are afraid if we let go and relinquish control to God by allowing our husbands to do their jobs, everything will fall apart. We aren't told that there is security, relief and blessing in obeying God and submitting to our husband's authority - even if you think he's wrong. Aside from anything illegal or immoral, we are commanded to submit in "everything."
There's a story of a wife who's husband was not so good with money. Not so good with paying the bills. But he wanted to be the one to take care of that for the family. Well, sure enough, one day the electricity goes out. He hadn't paid the bill. What she could have done was rant and rave to the children about what a slacker their father is. And when he walked in that door that evening, let him have it. Tell him all about what a failure he is and how he should just listen to her. Then everything would be just fine.
However, what she did was amazing. Her children asked her what they were going to do. She said they were going to pretend they were living like Little House on the Prairie. And when her husband came home, they had the table set with candles and whatever food could be fixed without the use of stoves, ovens or microwaves.
Her husband said that inspired him more than any tongue-lashing ever could.
What if you feel your husband isn't leading? Or isn't leading they way you want him to? Pray for him and zip it.
I Peter 3:1-2
"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct."
One last thought, do we treat our husbands the way we want our sons to be treated by their wives one day?
Ephesians 5 (emphasis mine)
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands...and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
I used to believe that respect had to be earned. And in some cases that is true. But in cases of headship and lines of authority, respect is given merely because of the position given by God. And God has put our husbands in a position in which He commands us (not suggests to us) that we respect them and submit to them.
Why do we have such a hard time with this? Lies from the enemy in the forms of worldly counsel and fear.
The world does not tell you that your husband will give account for how he leads your family. And you aren't told that you will be held accountable for how you follow him, support him and help him. You aren't encouraged to make his job as head of your home a little easier by not bucking every decision he makes; by not complaining about everything he does. You are told to look out for #1 - SELF! The Bible teaches us to die to self. In sincerity, ask your husband how you can help him. What are his goals for you family and how can you help him achieve them?
We are afraid if we let go and relinquish control to God by allowing our husbands to do their jobs, everything will fall apart. We aren't told that there is security, relief and blessing in obeying God and submitting to our husband's authority - even if you think he's wrong. Aside from anything illegal or immoral, we are commanded to submit in "everything."
There's a story of a wife who's husband was not so good with money. Not so good with paying the bills. But he wanted to be the one to take care of that for the family. Well, sure enough, one day the electricity goes out. He hadn't paid the bill. What she could have done was rant and rave to the children about what a slacker their father is. And when he walked in that door that evening, let him have it. Tell him all about what a failure he is and how he should just listen to her. Then everything would be just fine.
However, what she did was amazing. Her children asked her what they were going to do. She said they were going to pretend they were living like Little House on the Prairie. And when her husband came home, they had the table set with candles and whatever food could be fixed without the use of stoves, ovens or microwaves.
Her husband said that inspired him more than any tongue-lashing ever could.
What if you feel your husband isn't leading? Or isn't leading they way you want him to? Pray for him and zip it.
I Peter 3:1-2
"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct."
One last thought, do we treat our husbands the way we want our sons to be treated by their wives one day?
September 15, 2008
Family Driven Faith
by Voddie Baucham, Jr.
This guy is one of my favorites. I first heard him speak on marriage. Wow! There is no question where he stands. I am now reading his book, Family Driven Faith: Doing what it takes to raise sons and daughters who walk with God.
Here is an exerpt from the first chapter:
"The most important side of my life is the one where I bear my most cherished titles - husband and father. There is nothing in this world that means more to me than the fact that I am Bridget's husband and Asher, Jasmine, Trey, and Elijah's father. Whenever I say that, I can almost hear people thinking, "Shouldn't your relationship with Christ mean more to you than your family life?" I guess in an ultimate sense that is the case. However, my family is the primary place where my walk with Christ takes on flesh. It is one thing for me to have a personal relationship with Jesus. However, if I spend hours reading the Bible and praying and invest the lion's share of my time ministering to others while neglecting my role as husband and father, my relationship with Christ is out of balance or, worse, inauthentic.
It is my relationship with my wife and children that gives my walk with Christ legitimacy...my earthly relationships are the proving ground for my heavenly one. If I love God, it will be evident in my love for my brothers and sisters (especially those who live under my roof).
That's just in the first few pages of the book! Good stuff. Look for more to come...
This guy is one of my favorites. I first heard him speak on marriage. Wow! There is no question where he stands. I am now reading his book, Family Driven Faith: Doing what it takes to raise sons and daughters who walk with God.
Here is an exerpt from the first chapter:
"The most important side of my life is the one where I bear my most cherished titles - husband and father. There is nothing in this world that means more to me than the fact that I am Bridget's husband and Asher, Jasmine, Trey, and Elijah's father. Whenever I say that, I can almost hear people thinking, "Shouldn't your relationship with Christ mean more to you than your family life?" I guess in an ultimate sense that is the case. However, my family is the primary place where my walk with Christ takes on flesh. It is one thing for me to have a personal relationship with Jesus. However, if I spend hours reading the Bible and praying and invest the lion's share of my time ministering to others while neglecting my role as husband and father, my relationship with Christ is out of balance or, worse, inauthentic.
It is my relationship with my wife and children that gives my walk with Christ legitimacy...my earthly relationships are the proving ground for my heavenly one. If I love God, it will be evident in my love for my brothers and sisters (especially those who live under my roof).
That's just in the first few pages of the book! Good stuff. Look for more to come...
September 11, 2008
Trials of Various Kinds...
...brought to me from 5 children of various kinds!
Today has been one of those days where I feel like I'm going from one situation to the next with the kids...and it's only 1 o'clock. The patience and emotional stamina it takes on days like this can absolutely drain me physically.
I picked up a book I'm reading, When You Rise Up, by R.C. Sproul, Jr. The first two lines I read were:
"When God regenerates a heart, that heart bears spiritual fruit. And a vital part of that fruit is a renewed mind, the capacity to look at the world through God's eyes, to see all that we do in light of serving his kingdom."
"....to see all that we do in light of serving his kingdom." So, I think to myself, "Okay. How am I serving His kingdom. How is this day serving Him?" Because, let me tell you, if there is no purpose except to survive each day, then what is the point?
My answer was clear...I am raising warriors for His kingdom. I am raising a new generation to love, serve and glorify Him. Today, it may not seem like they are getting it. Today, it may feel like they've forgotten everything we've ever taught them. Today, it may feel like aliens really do exist and they have come to live in my house, overtaking my children's minds and bodies!
But it gives me a new perspective and a revived spirit when I understand that there is a purpose for addressing these issues.
I could ignore them. I could stick them in front of the TV all day. I could send them to school and pack their schedules full to escape such trials.
What good would that do? What purpose would that serve? In their lives or mine? I'm reminded of James 1:2-8:
Today has been one of those days where I feel like I'm going from one situation to the next with the kids...and it's only 1 o'clock. The patience and emotional stamina it takes on days like this can absolutely drain me physically.
I picked up a book I'm reading, When You Rise Up, by R.C. Sproul, Jr. The first two lines I read were:
"When God regenerates a heart, that heart bears spiritual fruit. And a vital part of that fruit is a renewed mind, the capacity to look at the world through God's eyes, to see all that we do in light of serving his kingdom."
"....to see all that we do in light of serving his kingdom." So, I think to myself, "Okay. How am I serving His kingdom. How is this day serving Him?" Because, let me tell you, if there is no purpose except to survive each day, then what is the point?
My answer was clear...I am raising warriors for His kingdom. I am raising a new generation to love, serve and glorify Him. Today, it may not seem like they are getting it. Today, it may feel like they've forgotten everything we've ever taught them. Today, it may feel like aliens really do exist and they have come to live in my house, overtaking my children's minds and bodies!
But it gives me a new perspective and a revived spirit when I understand that there is a purpose for addressing these issues.
I could ignore them. I could stick them in front of the TV all day. I could send them to school and pack their schedules full to escape such trials.
What good would that do? What purpose would that serve? In their lives or mine? I'm reminded of James 1:2-8:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
September 10, 2008
Photography Class
I'm taking a photography class this month. We bought an expensive digital SLR about 3 years ago and I've always wanted to figure out how to use it better - without reading the manual. I have picked up the manual several times and started reading it, but I could never finish.
So our assignment from last week was to take a picture using the info we learned. Here's what I took. It looks best in sepia but I don't have that option on my pitiful photo editing programs. Guess I need that on Christmas wish list.
September 8, 2008
Peace in Parenting...from the Moraes Family
I was reading http://moraesfamily.blogspot.com/ and loved this post! With permission, I'm copying it here:
Ever since homeschool started, I've been engaged in numerous conversations with moms concerned about whether they are doing enough! Anxiously wondering if their children can compete with their public and private school counterparts.
I've taken part in loads of conversations with people who feel as failures, because their children do not add up to some "expectation" placed on them by other moms and their perception of what is taking place in other people's households. Fear and worry are shaking the very foundation of most, no, I take that back, all moms! (If you are reading this and feel you are the exception... call me, I'd like to pick your brain a bit! :) )
Sadly, I admit to being consumed with many of the same worries and fears. And here is where I choose to take a stand. For my own sanity's sake and the well-being of my family.
1. I choose to be myself, no matter what I think others might think of me.
2. I choose to honor God and only God for His will for my family.
3. I choose to enjoy and love my children exactly where they are and not constantly worry about how they measure up.
4. I choose to find peace in the fact that my children are wonderfully, fearfully and creatively designed to serve the greater purpose that the Lord has appointed them to.
5. I choose to encourage my children to be themselves (not someone else's child) and to find their God given gifts and abilites.
6. I choose to pray, pray, pray and pray some more. To faithfully intercede on their bahalf, pray for their protection, and like Job, ask for the forgiveness of their sins.
7. I choose to forgive myself for the mistakes that I've made and those that I will probably make in the future.
8. I choose to accept that my kids are a work in progress, just as I am! And just as I am not perfect, I should not expect them to be.
9. I choose to do my very best and then move over so that God will finish the work that He started in them.
NOTE TO MOMS READING THIS: Mom, you are doing a great job!! Don't allow worry to rob you of the time you have with your children. Before you know it, they will be gone. Make the most of every moment. Laugh, run through the rain barefoot, see the beauty in your children. Don't worry about their flaws, just be faithful and consistant. God will handle the rest. Pass on your faith with eagerness and let your Godly example shape your children's hearts. So they're dirty from head to toe, so your 4 year old doesn't read, so your 10 year old hasn't memorized the periodic table of elements, so child one picked a booger and flung it at child two, so what!! (Okay maybe that last one needs addressing LOL). Worry will only rob you of the joy your children bring. God's plan will prevail!! Lean on Christ in everything you do!! My prayer is that we rest in Him and allow Him to pour His peace into our hearts.
Hey, I'm a work in progress too...... but we all need encouragement sometimes! :)
Well said, Mrs. Moraes! Well said!
Ever since homeschool started, I've been engaged in numerous conversations with moms concerned about whether they are doing enough! Anxiously wondering if their children can compete with their public and private school counterparts.
I've taken part in loads of conversations with people who feel as failures, because their children do not add up to some "expectation" placed on them by other moms and their perception of what is taking place in other people's households. Fear and worry are shaking the very foundation of most, no, I take that back, all moms! (If you are reading this and feel you are the exception... call me, I'd like to pick your brain a bit! :) )
Sadly, I admit to being consumed with many of the same worries and fears. And here is where I choose to take a stand. For my own sanity's sake and the well-being of my family.
1. I choose to be myself, no matter what I think others might think of me.
2. I choose to honor God and only God for His will for my family.
3. I choose to enjoy and love my children exactly where they are and not constantly worry about how they measure up.
4. I choose to find peace in the fact that my children are wonderfully, fearfully and creatively designed to serve the greater purpose that the Lord has appointed them to.
5. I choose to encourage my children to be themselves (not someone else's child) and to find their God given gifts and abilites.
6. I choose to pray, pray, pray and pray some more. To faithfully intercede on their bahalf, pray for their protection, and like Job, ask for the forgiveness of their sins.
7. I choose to forgive myself for the mistakes that I've made and those that I will probably make in the future.
8. I choose to accept that my kids are a work in progress, just as I am! And just as I am not perfect, I should not expect them to be.
9. I choose to do my very best and then move over so that God will finish the work that He started in them.
NOTE TO MOMS READING THIS: Mom, you are doing a great job!! Don't allow worry to rob you of the time you have with your children. Before you know it, they will be gone. Make the most of every moment. Laugh, run through the rain barefoot, see the beauty in your children. Don't worry about their flaws, just be faithful and consistant. God will handle the rest. Pass on your faith with eagerness and let your Godly example shape your children's hearts. So they're dirty from head to toe, so your 4 year old doesn't read, so your 10 year old hasn't memorized the periodic table of elements, so child one picked a booger and flung it at child two, so what!! (Okay maybe that last one needs addressing LOL). Worry will only rob you of the joy your children bring. God's plan will prevail!! Lean on Christ in everything you do!! My prayer is that we rest in Him and allow Him to pour His peace into our hearts.
Hey, I'm a work in progress too...... but we all need encouragement sometimes! :)
Well said, Mrs. Moraes! Well said!
September 4, 2008
The Battle
My post a few days ago revealed a side to me most of you don't get to see or hear about. I, too, have days that are stressful and disheartening with respect to my children. But my sweet husband reminded me of
There are days we feel we are fighting our children. But in reality we are fighting FOR our children. We are in a battle with the rulers of darkness who want nothing more than for us to give up, give in, cop out! And that makes me angry! That fires me up! That gets me going!
God gives us our children as blessings. And with our children comes the responsibility to guide and shape them into warriors for His Kingdom! It is NOT easy! It is not a task for the fainthearted or lazy! But it is worth it.
We will be held accountable for what we do with the lives of these little ones. Sure they have free will and will do what they want with what we give them. So, what they do with their lives one day is between them and God. But what we do now and invest in now is what we will give account for.
Cece often says, "The value of anything is the price it pays in eternity." Education, in and of itself, has no value in eternity. What we do with that education does. Talents and gifts alone have no value unless used to glorify and honor the King of kings. If any of these things are cultivated and groomed for approval of men, they are worthless.
So, let's step it up. What fills our days that is worthy of bringing before the throne? What things have we labeled "important" that really aren't?
In Mark, someone asked Jesus which commandment was the most important. Jesus told him,
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
There are days we feel we are fighting our children. But in reality we are fighting FOR our children. We are in a battle with the rulers of darkness who want nothing more than for us to give up, give in, cop out! And that makes me angry! That fires me up! That gets me going!
God gives us our children as blessings. And with our children comes the responsibility to guide and shape them into warriors for His Kingdom! It is NOT easy! It is not a task for the fainthearted or lazy! But it is worth it.
We will be held accountable for what we do with the lives of these little ones. Sure they have free will and will do what they want with what we give them. So, what they do with their lives one day is between them and God. But what we do now and invest in now is what we will give account for.
Cece often says, "The value of anything is the price it pays in eternity." Education, in and of itself, has no value in eternity. What we do with that education does. Talents and gifts alone have no value unless used to glorify and honor the King of kings. If any of these things are cultivated and groomed for approval of men, they are worthless.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
So, let's step it up. What fills our days that is worthy of bringing before the throne? What things have we labeled "important" that really aren't?
In Mark, someone asked Jesus which commandment was the most important. Jesus told him,
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
We fight the enemy when this is what is fostered, nourished, encouraged, praised and exalted as significant in our lives and our children's lives.
September 3, 2008
3rd (and final) 1st Annual Butterfly Day
I love learning new things. During the "teaching time" of the last 2 butterfly days, I ended up trying to talk over the kids and moms. I felt like I was yelling to be heard. For one, I felt bad shushing the kids since they weren't mine and their mom's were right there.
This time, I tried a little trick I saw Mrs. Wortham use in one of my boys' Sunday school classes. She whispered! She didn't raise her voice when the kids started talking. She lowered it. So this time, I shushed and when I felt like I wanted to talk louder to be heard, I spoke quieter. It was so much nicer (I'm sure for all involved).
Here are some pictures of the day...
This time, I tried a little trick I saw Mrs. Wortham use in one of my boys' Sunday school classes. She whispered! She didn't raise her voice when the kids started talking. She lowered it. So this time, I shushed and when I felt like I wanted to talk louder to be heard, I spoke quieter. It was so much nicer (I'm sure for all involved).
Here are some pictures of the day...
My only disappointment was that I only had 2 little butterflies for them to look at and hold.
September 2, 2008
If you need a good laugh...
I laughed until I cried. I'm still laughing so hard I can barely type this. I don't know how I got to this blog but Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith of Selah.
This post killed me! My kids were laughing just listening to me. I'm copying and pasting from her blog but the link is: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
'The other day, we had a really funny conversation while I was teaching. We are doing Sing, Spell, Read and Write (which I LOVE!), and they doing great with their letters. We were working on the letter "B," and for one of the exercises, they have to cut, color, and glue the pictures that begin with that letter. There are a bunch of pictures, but only a few that match the letter for that day. As we looked through the pictures, I was saying things like, "What is this one? Ba-ba-ba-ball! Right! So that starts with B!" Ellie starts cutting, but she is being more quiet than usual, and I tell her to start saying them out loud so I can make sure she knows what she is doing. She does two in a row correctly and then holds up a picture of a chicken.
"Ba-ba-ba.....chicken." She starts to color it.
"Ellie, that is a ch-ch-ch-chicken. Not ba-ba-ba. Ch-ch-ch." She has a look of disgust. She repeats, this time with a little more intensity.
"Ba-ba-ba-chicken."
I decide to take a different teaching route and start to point at another "B" picture. "What about this one, Ellie? It's a ba-ba-ba-bus. See the difference?"
She is still coloring the chicken. She pauses and looks me dead in the eye, crayon frozen in midair.
"Mommy, why do you hate chickens?" Okay. She's serious. And I'm about to spit out my Diet Coke.
"Ellie, I don't hate chickens. It just doesn't go with today's letter. Why don't we hold onto it and we can talk about it when we do "C."
I can tell by the look on her face that this is probably not going to fly. Abby chimes in.
"Mommy, Ellie is right. You shouldn't hate a chicken." Four eyes. Staring at me. Accusing me of poultry-hatred.
"Girls. I do not hate chickens. I like chickens. It's just that chickens do not start with the letter B." They look at each other, and as a show of solidarity, Abby starts to cut out her chicken. I bury my head in the lesson book so they don't see me laughing. I did take a picture of Ellie holding the picture with a look of disdain.
Later that night, a neighbor-girl was over and they are playing dress up. And by "dress up," I mean "destroying every closet in the house."
I am in the kitchen making dinner when Ellie saunters in with a feather boa, tutu, and oversized purse.
"Hi mama."
"Hi Ellie. What are you doing?"
"We're playing ballet dancers. What about you?"
"Making dinner."
"What are you making?"
"Chicken." Clearly I have not thought this through.
She stops in mid-prance and looks at her friend, who, apparently, is in the know about her chicken theory.
"Told you," she whispers under her breath.
Her friend nods in wide-eyed unison as they march into the playroom while I trail off..."I do not hate ch-ch-ch-chickens!"
Two days later, Ellie announces that she is a becoming a vegetarian.
I serve her vegetables, in order to prove that I am an equal-opportunity food server.
She smells them and pushes her plate away.
"I think I want chicken, mommy." She smiles. We eat chicken (some of us with loose teeth), and of course during our nightly prayers, Ellie talks about her beloved picture, and the day early next week when he will rightly claim his throne as the "C" word.
Have I mentioned I love homeschooling?'
This post killed me! My kids were laughing just listening to me. I'm copying and pasting from her blog but the link is: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
'The other day, we had a really funny conversation while I was teaching. We are doing Sing, Spell, Read and Write (which I LOVE!), and they doing great with their letters. We were working on the letter "B," and for one of the exercises, they have to cut, color, and glue the pictures that begin with that letter. There are a bunch of pictures, but only a few that match the letter for that day. As we looked through the pictures, I was saying things like, "What is this one? Ba-ba-ba-ball! Right! So that starts with B!" Ellie starts cutting, but she is being more quiet than usual, and I tell her to start saying them out loud so I can make sure she knows what she is doing. She does two in a row correctly and then holds up a picture of a chicken.
"Ba-ba-ba.....chicken." She starts to color it.
"Ellie, that is a ch-ch-ch-chicken. Not ba-ba-ba. Ch-ch-ch." She has a look of disgust. She repeats, this time with a little more intensity.
"Ba-ba-ba-chicken."
I decide to take a different teaching route and start to point at another "B" picture. "What about this one, Ellie? It's a ba-ba-ba-bus. See the difference?"
She is still coloring the chicken. She pauses and looks me dead in the eye, crayon frozen in midair.
"Mommy, why do you hate chickens?" Okay. She's serious. And I'm about to spit out my Diet Coke.
"Ellie, I don't hate chickens. It just doesn't go with today's letter. Why don't we hold onto it and we can talk about it when we do "C."
I can tell by the look on her face that this is probably not going to fly. Abby chimes in.
"Mommy, Ellie is right. You shouldn't hate a chicken." Four eyes. Staring at me. Accusing me of poultry-hatred.
"Girls. I do not hate chickens. I like chickens. It's just that chickens do not start with the letter B." They look at each other, and as a show of solidarity, Abby starts to cut out her chicken. I bury my head in the lesson book so they don't see me laughing. I did take a picture of Ellie holding the picture with a look of disdain.
Later that night, a neighbor-girl was over and they are playing dress up. And by "dress up," I mean "destroying every closet in the house."
I am in the kitchen making dinner when Ellie saunters in with a feather boa, tutu, and oversized purse.
"Hi mama."
"Hi Ellie. What are you doing?"
"We're playing ballet dancers. What about you?"
"Making dinner."
"What are you making?"
"Chicken." Clearly I have not thought this through.
She stops in mid-prance and looks at her friend, who, apparently, is in the know about her chicken theory.
"Told you," she whispers under her breath.
Her friend nods in wide-eyed unison as they march into the playroom while I trail off..."I do not hate ch-ch-ch-chickens!"
Two days later, Ellie announces that she is a becoming a vegetarian.
I serve her vegetables, in order to prove that I am an equal-opportunity food server.
She smells them and pushes her plate away.
"I think I want chicken, mommy." She smiles. We eat chicken (some of us with loose teeth), and of course during our nightly prayers, Ellie talks about her beloved picture, and the day early next week when he will rightly claim his throne as the "C" word.
Have I mentioned I love homeschooling?'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
#
