Son It's Your Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to a boy who fills my heart with joy; and great anticipation towards his future.  He is a boy full of life, determination, and a drive to always do his best!
Most of all he loved the word of God since before he could read, is thoughtful; and for his age- quite the gentleman. 
I will never forget when I picked him up from kindergarden one sunny afternoon; his reading teacher pulled me aside with the biggest grin on her face.  She told me that when Brenden found out that they were going to begin learning to read that day; the first words that came to his mouth were "NOW I CAN READ MY BIBLE!!!"  She said he was ecstatic; and she was so blessed.
Brenden-
You are officially double digits!
Today you are 10; and I can't believe it's been a decade since God blessed your Father and I with  your sweet presence in our lives.
Don't ever stop being you,
you are a blessing to others in so many ways.
Keep reading that bible of yours
it is truly the book of life; and you will continue to gain so much wisdom from reading it.
Wisdom you can carry with you all your life,
and wisdom that will allow you to be a blessing to others;
even more than you already are!
I Love You so much!  

Oh and here is a Rockin birthday song for you!!!

"Well that's Because they are the Daughters of the President of the United States"!

Many of you have heard of the social network called "Instagram"; well it didn't use to be a social network.  At one point it was just a camera app to place on your smart phone to take really cool pictures; with all kinds of neat filters.  So you can imagine my upset as a parent when it quietly became a complete social network for kids and teens. Scary!
My daughter and a couple of her friends had secret instagrams; where they shared pictures- gossiped about people- and knew entirely too much about people they hardly know in real life.  Pictures were loaded with poses of attitude, some posing trying to look older than they were, and most having followers that were old men- this absolutely disgusted me!  My daughter doesn't even have a smartphone; but she was using her friends phones to check up on an account she created using a friends email address.

Many kids have an instagram; many parents don't even know; whats disturbing to me is that a lot of parents "do" know and find it to be okay.  
I am not the parent of anyone elses child; so what I write here are my own thoughts based on what I have researched.

We hear as parents that the stricter we are; the sneakier our children will become.  
To me this does not mean my children should be part of things that expose them to sinful actions, words, or inappropriate photos just because if I don't let them they will sneak it anyway.

As you may or may not have heard; Michelle Obama once stated that her girls were not allowed to have a facebook. 
As a side note you need to know that Instagram was bought by facebook, it is now no different; it's actually worse.  
She doesn't see the point in it; when most of the people they would be talking to are people they see in school everyday; or get together with often.  
Michelle Obama is all about the good old fashioned way of communicating with others, and thinks its very important her girls know those skills.  
I am right with her on this one.  
In fact when I mentioned this to my nearly 13 year old daughter her response was- "Well of course they can't have a facebook, they are the Presidents' daughters!"

This got me pondering her comment.  

My daughter is the daughter of someone much more important than the President of the United States; 
she is the daughter of a Mighty King who loves her very much; and so is your daughter or son.  

If the decision for your child to be on facebook or instagram, twitter etc. was based on biblical values (which it should be) you would find the following scriptures as instruction to us as parents of His beautiful creation to make an informed decision based on His word.

Ephesians 5:3-4

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for Gods holy people.  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I am coming soon!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

  

Yes this is the real world; and it is unfortunate that our precious children feel the need to step out of Gods word and join it to fit in.  It's as if people think children and teens need to be exposed to nudity, sexual inuendos, and profanity to prepare them for it.  
It doesn't make sense to me; 
I, as an adult, have made decisions on my own; to not expose myself to the things of this world just because that's the way it is.  We no longer need to conform; 
God warned us of the patterns of this world; and urges us to stand out amongst all the sin and proclaim His love for all the world to see. 

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will". 

When my daughter and sons are grown adults; they may decide to join these networks; and they may- like me, decide for themselves like I did that it's an empty form of communication. Or they may use these social networks as a means to stand out; and use them responsibly like so many do. 
As for right now- 
when teens are so prone to temptation, 
and a desperate want for attention, I as a parent am not going to be the one who makes the choice to expose them to things they shouldn't.  
It is not necessary to expose ourselves to the things outside of Gods will for us to grow up; 
true growing up is found in His word; 
that's what prepares our children for the things they will be exposed to in this world of ours. 
His word is what prepares our children to know how to react when they are faced with vulgar situations.  
Bottom line is they need Gods word to prepare them for this world; not being purposely exposed repeatedly to poor language, un- biblical quotes, sexual sin, gossip, hatred and violence. 
Even as an adult; God shelters me- 
it's not a bad thing- 
He gives me a check in my spirit called discernment; which has shown me what not to expose myself, or my children to.  

Yes they may go astray; like I have done; but I will know I have instilled in them what is important in life, and why.  
And I thank my precious Savior for His precious hand is placed on the lives of my children; 
I strive to lead them; 
where He so patiently leads me.
Amen. 

Way to Kick Off Winter Break

My husband and I are two extremely proud parents!  Our son Brenden accepted the award of "Honor Roll" this past Friday at school.  What a great way to kick off winter break!  

We are so proud of his determination and hard work when it comes to school; he takes it upon himself to do his best.  We Love you so much Brenden!!!  Keep up the good work!!!

On his way up to receive his award:

Brenden receiving his award from his fabulous teacher:

Brenden with his classmates

Oh Christmas Tree

Evening View... Not completed yet

My beautiful helper!  See all that paper garland- she did it- and she is so happy she's done!

Still not completed; I was still in the process of snow flaking my pine cones...

LOVE the gift tags from my Mom; they look adorable on our tree.

Just one pinecone; can't wait to get more on!

YAY!!!!  PINE CONES!!!!!!

More gift tags

My favorite tree topper; it has never looked this good on any of my other trees!  I'm so happy!

Gotta Love Burlap!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Project Month

December has turned into an all out project month for this household; which completely explains my absence here in blog land.  I love the smells of Christmas; pinecones, and the smell of baked goods.  As I work hard on projects at my dining room table I am creating like my Grandmother.  My Grandmother (we call her Gi-Gi) owned one of the cutest country gift shops; when I was a little girl I got to work in it with her.  I have such special memories of that cute little shop of hers.
I remember going to her house and seeing a hot glue gun, doilies, lace, tacky glue bottles, dried flowers- you name it- she was making it!
This month I sorta feel like her; because my table is covered with projects; that bring me so much memories of my childhood.  I think I am finally over doing things just right; and instead not being so afraid to try to create new things.  So Far - so good!

A sign I made using a board, card board letters, and paint- I am loving the white on white:

A sign I painted over; it used to be red with a different message.  I made it based on the verse "Love Covers a multitude of sins" :

The angel is actually my tree topper; it's my favorite:

A Frame I made using frames, paint, fabric, hot glue, and timeless black and white photos of my children:

Not the best picture of this project because it was taken at night; (but you get the idea) I used an old frame, paint, book tag from my scrapbook supplies, hot glue, burlap, and Heidi Swapp date stamp:

 I frosted my pinecones with help from my daughter using epsom salt, modge podge, and hung them with twine:

I hung these from my chandelier;  cute and simple:

 LOVE LOVE LOVE

Pinecones:

What if you don't fit in?

Dr Seuss certainly got this right!
The desire to fit in has sadly caused parents to try everything in their power to help their child fit in.
While fitting in seems to send an idea to someone as inviting, comforting, and an easier way to get through life; it is just another one of the worlds biggest lies.
Why would I want my children to do what everybody else is doing for the sake of their popularity; instead of teaching them how to stand above the rest; and understand the dangers in life.
I don't want my children to be like everyone else, in a way this sometimes makes me the uncool Mom.  In other words I choose not to be afraid to say no to my children if they are asking about certain types of media, video games,movies, or photo sites that I have researched and found to be unsafe.
Since when did parents stop becoming parents?
Since when did parents start saying oh you can do that since everyone else is; I'd hate for you to be left out, I want you to be cool.
The number of parents parenting this way is extremely high; and I just don't get it.
This makes it very hard for us as Moms to help our children discover the benefits of standing out.
While it is harder- it is still worth it- and it is still possible!

I as a parent do not have any desire to be like the other parents just because they make those decisions, likewise I don't want my children to be like every other kid just because their friends are allowed to do certain things that I do not allow them to do.  
I as a parent seek Gods will; I would like them to do the same.  

Gods will is catered to us as we are His unique creation; He has so much in store for us individually that we may miss out on if we are too busy trying to fit in to this world.  We are called to lead others to Christ; and standing out is key.

God calls us to do our research, and be wise in our decisions; and know why we are making them.  Is it based on what others are doing? Or is it based on the safety of my child?  I choose the second.

Many would argue that the more you don't allow your children to do things; the more they'll want to do it.  
Look at Adam and Eve; they were told not to eat from the tree of life ; but it was in their nature to disobey; 
did that make God change His mind about the rule He set in place; so they could fit in the garden better?  So they could feel more comfortable?
Absolutely not!  
He knew the dangers in store for them; and He loved them.

Just as we love our children we need to be looking into the possible dangers of all things they are exposed to.  Especially in this digital time we live in.
Will our children struggle with obedience to the rules?
I'm sure they will,
but it is our job to keep on teaching, and keep on loving.

"Train a child in the way He should go and He wont depart from it"

Proverbs 22:6

I know this verse to be true,
I am living proof!

I grew up very sheltered (I now like to call it very loved).  :)

There were a ton of things I was not allowed to do; and there were many times I rebelled.  
That never changed my parents- the rules were the rules; if I chose to disobey them I had to live out the consequences of my rebellion.  

I was not a teenager who made wise choices; I carried this on to my young adult life- 
I was spiraling downhill for sure.  
I was experiencing the life of fitting in- 
I was doing everything everybody else said was cool; 
and that enticed me for years.  
I didn't even know who I was; because my identity was found in what the world said was fun and free.  
The worst part of it is the world seriously thought this kind of living was standing out and being yourself; 
and I believed the lie, 
I would insist This is who I am; 
but it wasn't.
It was who everyone else was.

Then the time came when God set me free from this bondage, and showed me who I was in Him.  He taught me how to stand out and not be like the rest.  

Even as a Mommy; I don't have to say yes to my kids just because every other parent has said yes to theirs; I instead have an opportunity to stand out, and point out possible dangers to other Mothers who may not see the dangers in the things their children are exposed to, because we all can be blinded by blending in to this world; just because everyone else is doing it.

But God has called us to be so much more!
He has called us to stand out; because only He truly knows our hearts;
and only He can bring out the best qualities in us.

He has created you and me as individuals with unique qualities that He so powerfully brings out in us; to serve a purpose;
to set free the lost, by our example
for Him.

Lets teach our children to stand out; because God knows their hearts better than the world ever will.  They were not created to fit in...
They were created to Stand Out.

Bacon! Yes- this Title really is Bacon!

It took ten years for me to figure out that bacon should be a content dwelling in my refrigerator on Satur weekend mornings, just waiting to be fried by groggy me, and my peppy in the morning husband.
You come to a point in your marriage where you take notice with each passing day of your spouse, and set yourself aside.  Only to feel that amazing feeling of knowing that you really know him.
Not just knowing him; but caring more and more about what it feels like to make him happy.
Selflessness is beautiful;
Selflessness sets us free,
and sometimes it takes more than 10 years for our eyes to be opened, as to just how beautiful selflessness can be.  
I pray this very night for more of it.  To experience the beauty in being truly selfless to my husband, children, family, and friends.
That we may all experience again and again
just how much being self- less
sets us free!
Even if it starts with just making sure there is bacon in your refrigerator!

Musical Sunday

Inspirational Saturday

Five Minute Friday} "Wonder"

Photo Taken by: My sweet daughter.

Sometimes I wonder if I will know what my hands will peck at on my keyboard for Five Minute Friday.
Sometimes I wonder how blessed I'll be after reading someones' post on Five Minute Friday.
Sometimes I wonder if others feel the way I do;
and am reassured here 
at Five Minute Friday,
that I'm not alone in the many fears life brings my way.
Wonder is a word that brings with it a sense of the unknown.
Sometimes wonder can be scary,
and sometimes absolutely breathtaking.
It is in these moments of wonder 
where I will not cease seeking Gods very best!
I wonder...

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Now it's your turn - click on the five minute Friday logo below to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Thank You Dad

 

Thank you Dad.  

I've been thinking about you a lot this Thanksgiving Season; and just how grateful I am for you.

Thank you for always teaching me what silly does for the soul.  For the cute languages we would make on our car rides throughout town.  
 Your sayings; oh how they crack me up! 
 "Dang Squid, Mama Jama, Dad gum Punk" and so on hahahahaha.

Thank you for our countless hours playing Super Mario Brothers on the Nintendo; because of you, to this day that is my favorite game.  It makes me think of you. 
You have always been a kid on the inside-
gotta love you for that; that's one of the many things that makes you so fun.

Your strength I admire with a loss for words.  I have watched you push through trials in your life and strive to become better through them all.
You have taught me to think twice, and not to live my life with regret.
I grew up seeing you go through so much pain; between my middle to high school years you experienced loss; of two of the most important people in your life; your only brothers. 
And just under a year ago the unexpected loss of your Father.
My heart has always ached for you; not ever having a clue how these events must have changed the course of your life dramatically.  
I saw you- 
I still see you sometimes when you ache-
 through all this pain I have a Dad who places so much value on life; more than most people I know.  Because of you our family never parts without saying "I Love You"; you taught me just how important that is.
You've shown me what it is to live life through the hardest of circumstances;
and how to have faith even when it is so hard.

Dad you are the epitome of Rockstar; you are "My Rockstar".  You showed this girl what rock music is; and because of you I agree; the Beatles were the best band EVER!
You love playing the guitar; and are by far Alice Coopers biggest fan!!! 
Do you have any idea how fun it is to talk about my Dad with my friends?  You are by far the coolest!!!
You love sports, street bikes (thank God your still here), cars- and you share your Grandsons love of motocross.

Yep; I've got a Starbucks Dad- I am so so so blessed!!! Your such a coffee shop kinda guy; I just Love It!!!!
Oh don't even get me started on movies; You ARE NETFLIX!- hahahaha.

Bottom line My Dad Rocks; that's all I can say;
and I am so Thankful He is my Dad!

I Love You Daddo!

Love,

Your Kiddo

Five Minute Friday: "Thank You"

Thank You Jesus for never letting go of my hand;
all those times I've let go of Yours and wandered in my own direction;
Only to find
You never left.
Words cannot describe 
the beauty that comes in soaking up all of Your Love.
Thank You. 

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Now it's your turn - click on the five minute Friday logo below to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Musical Sunday

Artist: JASON GRAY- 

Song:  REMIND ME WHO I AM

What an awesome song to remind us all to remember who we are to our to God!

I'm going to share this amazing and beautiful comment that was posted on You Tube in response to this song.  No matter what life you have lived, no matter where you've been, what you've tried, or where you are now, God can heal your hardest struggles with sin;

if you'll just run to Him; and trust Him to show you who YOU are to Him!

Like the testimonial comment below.

That my dear; is the only thing that will matter the most; His love is the only Love strong enough to heal your toughest struggle.  I am so thankful that He Loves us so much!  

"It was not easy for you to remind me who I am. Too many years I thought I was gay and I lived in homosexuality. Coming out was good, I was loved. But soon after, for the first time I saw clearly the horrors and darkness of homosexuality. Then I ran to You and you healed me. You took homosexuality away and gave me the new life. Thank You that I belong to You.

Jesus, I know how much you love gays. I pray that they turn to you, like thousands of us, former gays, did, so you can heal them too."

(Written by: Sinsibal under the video comments )

Inspirational Saturday

Five Minute Friday} Stay

Stay here a little while.
It may not be where you expected,
It may not be where you think you should be,
and it may not even be comfortable here.

I am asking you to stay here.

Stay.

Right where you are.
It is here you will grow,
It is here you will learn,
but you will have to stay.

Knowing I've placed you here
by My Almighty Power
stay here in My Presence.
It is in my Presence you will see hope
for the things that are yet to come.
You don't have to understand why just yet
but one very fine and beautiful day
you will.

So please 
 stay here in My word 
and trust that
your stay here
is for My Purpose!

Love,

God

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Now it's your turn - click on the five minute Friday logo below to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Musical Sunday

My Favorite song this week! :)

Inspirational Saturday

Love Looks Beyond 

by Ruth Bell Graham

You look at me and see my flaws;
I look at you and see flaws, too.
Those who love know love deserves
a second glance; each failure serves
another chance. Love looks to see,
beyond the scars and flaws, the cause;
and scars become an honorable badge
of battles fought and won—or lost—
but fought! The product, not the cost,
is what love sought.

God help us see beyond the now
to the before, and note with tenderness
what lies between—and love the more!

Five Minute Friday} "Quiet"

In the quiet,
I hear the words; 
even in the words that are not spoken.
I see it in their eyes.
Sometimes it's quiet moments like these
that God quiets my soul to see beyond someone; 
to step outside of myself,
and pay closer attention to the words that are said in the midst of silence.
Glancing over at the car next to me at the stoplight; I see her frustration;
and I pray for her.  
In the quiet,
there is lots to be heard.
Sometimes in the quiet you cannot hear their sadness,
but you can see it
In these quiet moments
I take a moment to pray
that I might understand the words that are not spoken
In the quiet of their precious souls.

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Now it's your turn - click on the five minute Friday logo below to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

"Her Happiness and Fullfillment did not Depend on Her Circumstances"

“Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances,” the younger Ruth concluded. “She was a lovely, beautiful, and wise woman, because early in life she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant, and her vision.”

Spoken by the younger Ruth Graham ; of her Mother; Ruth Graham- the wife of Evangelist Billy Graham

Did you know that Ruth Bell Graham was a beautiful writer?  I read all about her life here on this earth tonight on a website created in her memory- and was awestruck, I am just filled with tears of gratitude for finding this site, this very night. 

She was such a beautiful example to Mothers; and I didn't even know it until now.  

That makes her a beautiful example to us women, wives & Mothers; even today,

 through her heart written out on paper for all of us to treasure.

Thank you God for women like her,

who share their walk with you,

with their genuine honesty

all for your Glory!  

A Mother's Praying

by Ruth Bell Graham

Listen, Lord,
a mother's praying
low and quiet:
listen, please.
Listen what her tears
are saying,
see her heart
upon its knees;
lift the load
from her bowed shoulders
till she sees
and understands,
You, who hold
the worlds together,
hold her problems
in Your hands. 

When you have time; I urge you to grab a cup of coffee, tea, and maybe a small dessert, click on the beautiful website located on the picture above in this post.  

Spend some quality, quiet time on it!

This is not a site to just skim through; 

I promise you will not only be Blessed, but Inspired!  

What Not to Do Tomorrow...

You have to read and watch the video below; in light of voting day tomorrow; this is absolutely comical!!! Just click on the photo below of Rachel Olsen from Proverbs 31 Women so you can see what I'm talking about.

Enjoy, and Happy Voting! :)

Click to see- What Not to do Tomorrow Post by Rachel Olsen

Five Minute Friday} "Roots"

 The roots in my flower pot are planted deep within the soil.
But those very roots are also rotted.
No flower can bloom within them.
The old must die; and the new must come.
It is time to make a change in my pot of un-blooming flowers
and begin anew.
These roots are like the roots we were all born with-
we were born with imperfection,
sometimes the old must die-
before the new can bloom again
but it's okay-
 because we are like the brand new flowers you buy in the garden,
because of our roots in our Heavenly Father
we are able to be re-rooted
and re-planted many times.
It is here 
rooted in Christ alone
where we watch His beauty in us blossom!

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Now it's your turn - click on the five minute Friday logo below to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Day 31} A Lot Learned

First of all I cannot believe this is my last post in the 31 days series.
Let me just say I am amazed that I actually kept it up.
I will also say I am so happy I did.
Happy doesn't even touch what I've learned about being a Mother in these last 31 days, and the fears that come along with it.
Mothers try their hardest, and many times they are afraid, like me.
From the day these bundles of joy show up into our little world we feel such a overwhelming sense of responsibility.  
It goes on for a long time- we put so much on ourselves with all the "I wish I would haves" and the "I shouldn't haves" until we really accept that we are human beings- 
the fact that you and I make mistakes is what makes us so human, and so real.
The fact that we feel at a loss sometimes,  pulls us towards our ever loving Savior; 
who I've learned Never Let's Go.

Let me just tell you, that as an adult I still have heard my Mother regret past mistakes, my Father too- 
I have to say I know now how easy it is to make those mistakes out of fear for that precious bundle of joy you carry so close to your heart; 
I was theirs- and I understand.  

The key is I have watched my parents learn from those mistakes and because of it; I have instilled in me bits of their learned wisdom.
"And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
And we were all placed on this earth for His purpose.

The relationship I share with my Mother now is so different from the one we had when I was an adolescent.  I didn't want her love, I'm sure deep down I did, but I refused it- because I thought I knew it all.
It took me becoming a Mother myself to truly know how deeply she cared and loved me that whole time I shut her out of my life.  
She was so frustrated with my choices (understandably),
but there is one thing through this frustration that she never did-
She never stopped praying,
and she never stopped loving me.
The day I realized what the rejection I gave to her must have felt like 
is the day I knew she was a vital part in my life and I treasure our relationship.
Her example through the years have meant so much to me;
one day maybe I'll be able to put it into the words that are sitting at the tip of my tongue.

This has been an amazing 31 day journey; just learning how to open up and allow God to show me how I've felt about parts of my story, my prayer is that God has allowed this journey of mine to touch the peoples lives that He meant for it to.  
He has placed in me a desire to encourage others through the testimony I have kept hidden for so long, because I have been blessed by so many others who were once afraid too, and God planted in them that same desire, 
and with that desire they've obeyed, 
and they've shared, 
and because of them 
I call my life blessed! 

Thank you so much Nesting Place for Hosting! 

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To view the rest of this series; 31 Days to Fear Free Mothering

Click Below: 

I am so happy you stopped by!  :) 

Day} 30 -Great Verses for Mamas

"He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not grow faint."

Isaiah 40: 29-31

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous

right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

"For I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13  

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To view the rest of this series; 31 Days to Fear Free Mothering

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I am so happy you stopped by!  :) 

Day 29} Don't Forget to Look for the Moments

"We will talk about it tomorrow"! I said hastily after my 12 year old daughter seemed to be stalling her bedtime. 
 I spent my time talking, laughing, and saying my good nights- hugs - the whole 9 yards!- And then a subject came up about the next days last minute planning, that just made me a little frustrated.
Frustrated because I didn't know if I would be able to get her to her schools carnival earlier as requested; due to the cookie party we have already committed to in our neighborhood. 
My girl is smart 
she hit the nail on the head when she said
"Mom you look tense; relax your shoulders, your shoulders look really stiff--- here--- do you need a shoulder rub"?
Out of the quickness in the moment I said "No- what you need to do is get in bed; then I can actually get in bed, we have a lot to try to figure out- We will talk about it tomorrow!"
I walked away feeling like I just erased all the special time we had before this last minute change to our schedule occured.  

I took a deep breath;
only no deep breath was enough to calm my nerves,
and my sweet daughter noticed that.

Still feeling tense I washed my face and thought about what had actually just happened.
One of my fears has been that my children's' world would revolve around themselves; and not ever take a minute to see the other side.  
So many people are so selfish these days, that they don't even take a minute to notice what they say; 
or be ready to forgive when someone answers them harshly- 
to see beyond the "quick to speak" spewed words- 
and into the heart of why they came out that way.
I've always thought; how in the world do I teach my children this?   

This is when I see God answer my prayers; when He intervenes through my children- 
as a Mother;
those are by far the most beautiful and treasured moments.

I wrung out my washcloth took a deep breath; this time breathing in the breath of Christ; and feeling ever so grateful for the heart my daughter displayed for me.  
She happened to have got out of her bed to brush her hair, I walked into her bathroom, looked her in the eye, and said "Thank you" she smiled a smile so kind.

I said "I just want you to know that what you did when you saw me feeling tense; was one of the sweetest things a person could ever do; and I am sorry that I wasn't ready to respond to that like I should have.  I really appreciate your thoughtfulness, Thank you so much sweetie". 
She looked at me and said "Here"
as she placed her arms on my shoulder; and took that tension right out.

Sometimes we as Mothers get so caught up in the busyness of our day; 
or the day to come 
that we forget to look for the moments we fear, and pray about, to see just exactly what God is doing in our children's lives.

So starting tonight; lets make ourselves more aware of God in the midst of it all.
Instead of being so afraid of where our children could be headed,
watch closely...
and focus on where God has already brought them. 

Matthew 6: 34

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of it's own"

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To view the rest of this series; 31 Days to Fear Free Mothering

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I am so happy you stopped by!  :) 

Day 28} Musical Sunday

This song is so funny!!! Completely Relatable; and- well- very true!  "In the middle of my little mess I  forget how BIG I'm blessed" - Think about it. ;)

Happy Sunday!

Day 27} Inspirational Writing by Charles Stanley

Providing for your children

The following is out of a book by Charles Stanley "How to Keep your kids on your team" ...

"My Mother has said to me, "I regret that I couldn't give you the things other parents gave to their children." And I have answered her, "Mom you have nothing to regret. You gave me something that is not for sale in any store, has never been manufactured, and cannot be purchased anywhere. You planted within me a love for God, a desire to be obedient, a desire to be willing to stand, regardless of other peoples opinions or attitudes, to do what is right. You taught me to depend upon God for everything. You taught me how to pray. You taught me to trust God as my faithful Father." I would rather have my meager possessions as a child - two pairs of bib overalls, one pair of shoes, a couple of pairs of socks , some underwear , a toothbrush, and a comb combined with what my mom taught me- than all the wealth the world can offer."
It is not how many things you provide for your children. It is what you give them of yourself and the principles of Scripture that can never be taken away. If you are a good provider, you will keep your children on your team and will establish a firm foundation for them as adults."

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To view the rest of this series; 31 Days to Fear Free Mothering

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I am so happy you stopped by!  :)