Christmas Blues

What is next? Christmas is over and it was a wonderful day spent with family. I looked forward to it for weeks. We opened presents before and it was just a day of togetherness. But now it's after Christmas and what is next. I find myself looking forward to events and when they are done can become depressed which can come out as moody, sad, angry, etc. I know that Christmas is not the end of things but... I need to pull myself out of this funk! God has a plan. It is a good plan. I need to trust and obey that plan. I need to listen to that plan. I need to focus on that rather than the past. Focus on what I have not what is past. God is good! God is wise! God know what's best for me!

Snow fun!

The kids got out of school early today for the holidays. I wanted to spend some time outside with them. I have not been a very good outside-active mother, it is so easy to let Glenn play outside and me stay in where it is warm. But I made up my mind I was going outside! So I haul out my snow pants, Glenn's gloves, and low and behold the boots that I have are too small - I have not worn them for a few years - wore Glenn's moon boots! So back to put on the moon boots I go. The first time I try to go down the hill, I almost hit a tree! Woops! Then our basset hound ran away to the neighbors yard. Cole went to get him, but he thought Cole was playing and would not come back. So I hiked a mile(or so it seemed with big moon boots on) to get the dog and start him back home. Only this is not the dog's plan and he runs the other way. I finally catch him, grab his collar and head for home - have you ever walked a "mile" in moon boots, bent over holding onto a basset hound's collar? Let me tell you this - it's not easy. I am about dying when I finally get him to the kennal. Then Cole wants me to push him down the hill. I pushed him for a few times and then we had a snowball fight! There is nothing like it - a snowball fight with your kids! I love the feeling of warmth you get when you come in from playing in the snow. I have to remember this feeling so that I can experience it more often!

Mary Christmas

How Martha Had A Mary Christmas- By Nancy McGuirk
T’was weeks before Christmas, and in Martha’s house,
Everyone was stirring. . . even the mouse
The calendar was packed with places to be
Leaving no time to visit, or decorate the tree

The children were adding ideas to their list
And Martha felt pressure to grant every wish
So off in her car she dashed to the stores
To battle the crowds and traffic galore

Buy toys and ties, get ribbons and wrappings
Hit Whole Foods for cider and all of the trappings
To this store and that store, she hit every mall
Now charge away, charge away, charge away all!

Off to the parties and programs she flew
With Christmas approaching, there’s so much to do!
With headaches and tummy aches and calories galore
Now everything’s too tight that she bought at the store

So she fell on the bed and stared at the ceiling
She realized this is not what should happen this season
Why, what about my husband, my kids, or my parents?
Have I neglected my loved ones in the midst of this panic?

Now my sister, Mary, she knows what to do,
She always said Martha, “Christmas is not about you”
Only ONE thing is needed- and not all this fuss
Just listen to Jesus, He loves you so much.

When out of my wondering mind did appear
A scripture I learned at bible study this year
“Put God’s kingdom first, that’s what you do,
And everything else will be added to you”

So I decided to change and got down on my knees
I begged God’s forgiveness, and asked how to please
“Serve others,” He said, “as if serving Me,”
“And love them, as you’re loved, unconditionally.”

So I rushed from my bed and got scriptures to share
So my family could start Christmas right this year.
And I thanked God for Jesus and my cross that He carried
And I knew Martha’s Christmas was soon to be “Mary”.

I found this this morning and wanted to share it - it's so true to be caught up in a "Martha Christmas" -I wish for all of you to have a "Mary Christmas"

Room for Jesus

I received this by email this morning and thought it was so appropriate, I wanted to share!

Room Enough for Jesus
By Micca Campbell

“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7 (NASB)

Devotion:
One of the first words that come to mind when most think about the holiday season is “busy.” Sad, but true. We are busy decorating the house, baking goodies, shopping for presents, planning parties, attending Christmas plays, and writing out our Christmas cards. Then, just when we think we’ve got a handle on it, we receive that unexpected card in the mail or the neighbor brings us a fruit cake. What do we do? We find time to return the gesture.

In fact, we find time and make the room to do all sorts of things during the holidays. We make room for company to come. We make room in front of the picture window for the Christmas tree. We even make room in the kitchen cabinets to store the extra cooking ingredients we need to make our favorite holiday dishes. Let me ask you this…have you made room for Jesus this season?

In the familiar story of Christ’s birth, I’ve always been bothered that there was no room in the inn for Jesus. I can’t help but think, Didn’t they know who He was? What could have been so important that they couldn’t stop to make room for Jesus? My best guess is they were thinking only about themselves and their own busy agenda. In doing so, they missed Jesus.

Likewise, we can become so busy with our Christmas agenda that we can miss Jesus, too. Instead, we should approach the season with expectancy. If we make the time and room for Jesus, I know He will show up! My nephew taught me that.

One of my mother’s Christmas traditions is to withhold baby Jesus from her nativity set until Christmas morning. One year, when her firstborn grandson was about three years old, he asked her, “Grandmamma, where is baby Jesus?”

“He’s not been born yet,” she explained to Patrick. “Jesus comes on Christmas Day. Then, you’ll find Him lying right here,” she added while pointing to the manger.

Like years past, Christmas came. Mom’s and Dad’s house was full of excitement as each family member arrived with their arms full of presents. We expected to exchange gifts and enjoy a time for food, fun, and celebration. Patrick expected something different. He came running into the house shouting, “Is He here, yet? Is He here? Has Jesus come?”

Mother took Patrick over to the nativity and there, cradled in the manger, was baby Jesus. He had come just like He had promised.

Over 2,000 years ago, God promised us a Savior. In a little town called Bethlehem, God kept His promise and Christ our Lord was born. While most missed what was happening that holy night, Christ’s birth didn’t escape the attention of heaven, a few shepherds, three Wise men, and some cattle. They pushed aside their duties and agendas to make room for Jesus. In fact, like Patrick, some of them anticipated His arrival. In doing so, their lives were forever changed.

Every year Jesus still searches for hearts to fill. The trouble is He can only fill the space you and I allow for Him. Will you make room in your heart for Jesus this season?

Christ’s presence may go unnoticed by the world, but you and I, along with heaven, a few shepherds, three wise men, and others who have made room in their hearts, can experience all the glorious wonder that He brings.

I invite you to throw away your busy agenda this year. Instead, make room for Christ to come. Anticipate His arrival and experience Christmas like never before!

Christmas Baking

We had our annual baking day today! It was a little late from other years but it just did not work out before today. The tradition started when I was in the hospital with Cole, and my friends baked and brought us a plate of goodies. Six years later we have eight pair of hands, (and several little hands) and we are off. We made 3 humongous batches of peanut clusters, 2 batches of peanut butter balls, 2 bags of pretzels with Rollo's, almond bark pretzels, 4 batches of melting moments, peanut brittle, 4 boxes of Ritz crackers with peanut butter covered in almond bark, 5 batches of peppermint meringue cookies, pepper nuts, spritz cookies. A few started on Saturday with some of the things and we finished up today. Thank goodness we don't keep everything, we give it away to Sunday School teachers and anyone else we can think of. We even had aprons made last year - Friends don't let Friends Bake Alone! There are a few things that I'd like to try on my own - like biscotti. These pictures are from past years but this is what it looks like! It is so much fun getting together to bake and laugh and just have fellowship, I hope this tradition stays for years to come!

I was thinking....

I was just thinking about Mary. I wondered if I was Mary's friend would I have stuck by her when she got pregnant? Would I have tried to talk Joseph into not to go through the marriage? Would I have supported her or treated her like she should be shamed? Would I have hidden that I was still her friend or let everyone know? Would I have stuck up for her by relaying her story of an angel visit and that God told her she was going to be the mother of His own son? Would I have listened with awe about what an angel looked like? Would I have been jealous? Would I believed her that shepherds came, or wise men? Would I have been excited that this was happening? Would I have helped her out when she came back from Bethlehem? I was just thinking about Mary..... What kind of friend would I be and what kind of friend am I now? I was just thinking....

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Cole! You are six years old! Hard to believe my baby is six! I wish you many more happy birthdays and all of God's richest blessings for you!

Learning

I am finished helping in the preschool room! The regular teacher is back and boy does my house look like I haven't been at it the last couple weeks! I don't know where to start - but start somewhere I should! (I think that's my husband talking) I am not used to being out of the house that much and it has thrown my routine into a tizzy. I like to plan ahead but it's not possible to have a plan and be gone so much or I am finding that I can not do it very well -I think the later is more true than the first! But I am glad to be home and working in it! I better stop typing and get to it! I mean it! Ok, here I go!

Snow

It's SNOWING! I love snow, I love snow, I LOVE SNOW! I don't get a chance to say that to loud or to too many people! Everyone just complains about it and how much work it is. But it is so beautiful and powerful! You know the verse, "your sins are like scarlet but they will be white as snow"? I am reminded of that every time it snows. God blankets the earth with the white, powdery mix, just like he blankets us and our sins! But do you also notice that after awhile the snow gets dirty and grungy looking? Even after we ask for forgiveness, we still sin and need to ask for forgiveness and then God makes us clean again! I love snow, but I love my Lord and Savior more! Thanks for the visual picture, God.

Decorating for Christmas is fun and I think the cats even like the different things around them. They keep trying to drink out of the Christmas tree water but we shut that part off to them now. Here are some spots we found them in the last few days.

Christmas Trees!

We went to cut our annual Christmas Tree. We go as a family and the boys help pick it out and cut down the tree. Here are some pictures of our choice!

Thanks for....

Hi, I am back. I have been helping in the preschool room at school and haven't had time to write. I wanted to share some "I am thankful for...." pictures.

"Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, so we don't have to!"

Our animals! The bottom two pictures are our food and the Vikings! And I pick the two boys in the pictures - that's what I am thankful for.

Thankfulness

Yesterday I had the privilege of helping as the preschool aid at our school. It was fun to see the little preschoolers, I am there more or less for crowd control but I benefit as much as they do. Their show and tell was to bring something they are thankful for. It was fun to see, some brought toys but many brought in pictures of their families! It was so cute, and they were so proud. Usually I have a count down to Thanksgiving for my kids. We have 22 leaves or acorns and they tell me something they are thankful for and we write it on the leaf and tape it to a stick - that then is our centerpiece for the month. But this month I didn't get it done. I have to start! I have 10 days left so I will have to come up with something! mmm - maybe little pumpkins or fruit to go in a cornucopia - I don't know how to spell that! I have to get going. Maybe we can take Thankfulness pictures! That would be cool to have those on display! So I challenge you- What is your family thankful for! Have fun finding out!

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

Survived!

Hey, I survived! It went well! Each of the kids took $5 to pay for bowling and that was considered their gift. I had three vehicles to transport them, my van, another van and a suburban, and two brave friends! We went to the Family Bowl in HU-- and they have electronic scoring so aside from refereeing a few times to keep the bowling balls on the rack instead of on their toes! We had cake, ice cream and pop there and then came home. The parents were to pick them up at 4pm and it was about 3:20 when we got home. So we played toilet tag, red rover and kickball outside until the parents got here. But what a great place to go for a birthday party - I'd recommend it to anyone! Today I'm headed to JFA to help sort clothes with MOPs. I guess they are always looking for women to sort clothes, so if you are ever looking for a service project.... Have a great day and thanks for the prayers!

Birthday Party

Prayers needed, please. Seventeen, third-grade boys will be coming off the bus today for a birthday party at our home. We will be going bowling, having cake and ice cream and then everyone is suppose to be picked up at 4 pm. School is getting out early for parent-teachers conferences. This is Grant's first ever birthday party with all the boys in his class and the first time for this mom too! Grant turns 9 on Friday the 9th, so he is pretty excited about his Golden Birthday!

Vikings!

We had an exciting weekend. Friday night was the school soup supper, good soup, food and fellowship. Saturday we left for Minneapolis. We stayed overnight in a motel and went swimming, then to the Mall of America. We had supper there. Then on Sunday we went to the Vikings game against San Diego. It was Cole's first game and he is such a football fan. When he was little he learned his colors by the NFL teams - "hey Mom, that guy has on a Green Bay shirt (the shirt was green)" So we saw Adrian Petersen break all kinds of records, except we left early because the kids were getting sick of it, (so much to Glenn's dismay - we missed the last two Vikings touchdowns!) It was fun weekend. I have found books on tape for the boys and they listened to them all the way home with the ear phones on. It was a peaceful ride home!

Sick kids must be going around. Cole had a fever yesterday afternoon but woke up fine this morning. I sent him to school but did ask his teacher to keep an eye on him. I got a call from Glenn at noon that they were trying to reach me - his fever is back. He has a good appetite but a fever, headache, and throat hurts. I hate it when my kids are sick, makes me feel very helpless. He has had a history of Strep Throat so I think we will just check in at the doctor today. He is very bummed not to be able to go to the Hallelujah Party at church. He was going to be a football player! Very sad about that but not so much about missing school (ha, ha)!

Breakfast woes

Have you ever had a morning, where you just can't seem to do anything right in your child's eyes? I had such morning as this today. I guess my expectations and his were a lot different. I suggested last evening that one day a week we all take turns making breakfast. I was thinking the responsiblity would be good for both of them. I thought I would help them make what ever they decided but they would have to plan the menu. Well, he was up early and then things preceeded to go down hill. I made coffee and he was mad at that. He wanted to make it before Glenn was up but I said that I would help him after my devotions, that was not good enough. What he said that he wanted to make last night -- was not what he wanted to make today and I did not have in the house what he wanted to make. Everything was wrong. I guess I should have planned this out a little more and actually start next week :( Life is just not simple sometimes! Oh, the life of a mom.
I wonder if I ever do that to God? When He calls me to do something to I throw fits if things just are not my way? If God has something set up ahead of time, do I complain because it's not the way I had pictured? Boy, God I am sorry for the things that I make it! Thanks for the reminder.... even if it had to be a breakfast meltdown.

Feelings stir when -

• you are completing your Bible Study that was started a couple months ago, wondering if the ladies will return to study another or will they say no
• your son struggles with homework and you don't know what to do to help
• when someone you love has to go to the doctor - what kind of news will you hear?
• when you clean your house but it doesn't look much different than when you started
• you would like to plan something fun but other things that are more pressing get in the way.

Feelings - the good, the bad and the ugly. Is there a movie or a book about that? There should be. These are the times when you rely on your God to get you through. What do people do when they don't have God to help them, heal them or support them? I bet they are feel pretty helpless. Glad I have my God!

Snazzy

Hey if you haven't heard the new CD by the Go Fish Guys, you have to! There are alot of great songs on the CD - Cole is singing them now and the CD is not even playing! It is a great CD and it's in stores now! I could do an advertisement for them! I really like the Mom Song, Hit the Drum, and Superhero but I also like American Kid and Jammies too. Well the CD is called SNAZZY and it's great!

Isaiah 43:10

"But you are my witnesses, O Isreal!" says the LORD. "And you are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God; there never has been and never will be." Is 43:10

If you have studied Beth Moore's Believing God, this passage is familiar to you. I love this verse. I know that I have been chosen but sometimes I forget what I am chosen for. To know God...to Believe God...and understand that God alone is God! So in other words...

"But you are my witnesses,(my evidence) O Isreal!" says the LORD. "And you are my servant (worshipper of God). You have been chosen to know me(to recognize me, admit what I am doing, acknowledge me and confess it is me), believe me( to support or confirm me, to be faithful to me) and understand( to discern, understand and have insight) that I alone am God (I AM). There is no other God; there never has been and never will be."

Have a Great day!

Vague Answers

Have you ever really wanted to do something and you just don't know if your husband wants it? You've asked him and he is like, "Sure." So is that a "sure" I want you to go and have a good time or is it a "sure" you can go but I'd rather have you here with me?
But I realized now I really haven't gone to prayer about it. So maybe that's what's holding me back! Have I really committed it to prayer and sought out the Lord's advice? I guess not. So that's what I am going to do. Not stress over it, because that does no good but to let God be my guide. (and ask for a tiny bit of sunshine!) (Lord, I need a little after all the rain - thank you for the rain, but can we have a little sunshine, too?)

Empathy, Consequences and Fun!

So the two premises of Love and Logic are:

1. Kids crave the limits they argue about
2. Kids make good decisions by making lots of bad decisions - the road to wisdom is paved with lots of little mistakes

Empathy is the most important and then the consequence. Because empathy focuses on the child's action rather than the parents anger. It is also contagious because every time we use empathy we teach it.

Love and Logic rules:

1. Adult provides limits in a loving way -- there is a leadership vacuum, someone has to take the control and if the parent does not the kid does.
2. When kids cause a problem you hand it back in a loving way. Culture says that problems should be handed to someone else.

Isn't that the case! My kids are always trying to give me a problem and the trouble is sometimes I fall for it and take on their problem. Like if they are fighting, I will step in and handle it but I should be allowing them to deal with it and find a solution. So if siblings argue, Dr. Charles Fay says:

1. Stay out of the problem whenever possible.

• Don't figure out who started and make them say they are sorry
• Don't figure out who started being the bully and punish, because neither role-bully or victim is a healthy role
• Don't tell kids by getting involved that arguing is a good way to change the color of your face.

2. Say, "Looks like you guys have a problem you need to solve."

• Really saying,"You can solve this problem in any way that does not cause a problem for anyone else, I want to help , I'll be happy to share some ideas, when your voice is as calm as mine and one person talks at a time."

3. Ask them one more time to solve problem or go separate ways--say, "Well guys, what did I say?"

• or "Are you guys going to calm down or take it to separate spots?"

4. If it causes a problem for you let empathy and consequences to the teaching.

• "Oh, this is such an energy drain"
• or "Guys, this is so sad, Do you know when you fight and bicker it drains my energy?
• 2nd step - "How will you put energy back in me?"
• 3rd step - "Some kids - take all their toys and put them in the front yard and have a yard sale to pay for their babysitter so mom and dad can go out on a date - to get their energy back. How would that work out? or Some kids will dust the living room or clean toilets, how would that work for you? or Some kids will stay home from the soccer game so their mom and dad can rest up and gain back their energy."
• 4th step - If they ignore you - they are gone to school and come home they find their Nintendo gone - Mom says, "Oh this is so sad, but I learned that when I donate stuff to church that it really charges me up."
• or A babysitter comes. "Guys this is Mabel, She is going to watch you while mom and dad go out to restore their energy, and you can talk to her about how you would like to pay her, she does take toys as payment. Love ya. See ya later."

Now there must be empathy in there or it becomes a threat or a punishment. I was using what I thought was a consequence but it was a threat. - Grant said he does not want to go to school. I would say, "OK, You will have to pay for your babysitter." But I should have said, " Oh that's interesting. How will that work out for you? How are you going to pay for your babysitter?" See the difference between a threat and a consequence. There can be a fine line.

I was also saying if my sons acted up, Oh you need to go to bed 5 minutes early. But I should have been saying, " Oh this is so sad, when you yell about little things it show me you are tired, so we will get you to bed 5 min early. " The first is a punishment and the second is a consequence.

Parenting is the toughest job that we can ever have. I truly believe if we have the right tools that it can become easier and even fun! I again got this information from the Love and Logic Training that I went to, but for more information from the authors you can visit their website listed in my favorites.

I Argue 6 AM on Saturdays

I mentioned earlier that I would talk about some of the stuff I learned at the Love and Logic facilitators class. This is more so that I don't forget what I learned and to get it embedded in my mind. But any one that has kids can use this technique. It is called Neutralizing Arguing. How many people get into unwinnable arguments or have kids that whine, beg, or argue? Can anyone say they do not have at least one child who does this? Or how many times do we try to match wits with our kids and end up saying stuff our moms or dads said:
How many times do I have to tell you? or
Money does not grow on trees.... or
--- I mean it! or
If I told you once, I've told you a thousand times....

So the first step to this technique is "Go Brain Dead!" - Do NOT Think -
2nd step is to pick one statement and say it over and over when the child starts to argue.
Statements such as "Love you too much to argue"
"I know"
" Nice try"
Now you do not want to use these with sarcasm. They are not designed to get even, to make the kids feel bad(sometimes they will feel bad but not designed to). They are designed to set limits -saying - I love you enough -- I love you too much to argue. Because anger and frustration feed misbehavior.
So how does this work: Here is an example from the book, Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave you Speechless by Jim Fay and Charles Fay, Ph.D:
Child: It's just not fair that I can't go to the party
Parent: (In a soft tone of voice.) I know. (Brain Dead response followed by silence.)
C: But all the other kids are going.
P: (Still in a soft voice.) I know
C: I'm the only one who isn't going to be there.
P: I know.
C: you are ruining my social life.
P: (With gentle firmness) I know. You can tell them it's my fault if it will help.
C: Well it is your fault.
P: I know.
C: Everyone will think I'm a dork.
P: I know.
C: You don't love me. (Turning up the heat.)
P: (Silence)
C: You're mean, I hate you!
P: I know.
C: That's all you ever say!
P: I know. I love you too much to argue.
Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave you Speechless, Jim Fay and Charles Fay, PhD. pg 3

It does work for little kids too. When you are in a store and they want something and are begging for it! or at home and are whining. Sometimes for older kids and for your remembering you can hang a sign "I argue 6am on Saturdays".
This has made a huge difference at my house and I "knew" it before but it was just so good to have that emphasized and pressed upon me again. I have an expert "arguer," he is 8 years old, and I have been falling into his trap! But I can handle it with my new technique - at least I get lots of practice!

YouTube - The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture with Lyrics

YouTube - The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture with Lyrics

This is a great "mom" song!

Flying away

Hey, I've been away for awhile! And I seriously mean away! I was flew to Denver last week and attended a Love and Logic Conference for facilitators. It was wonderful. I was able to speak personally with Jim Fay, Charles Fay and Foster Cline. I knew the concepts from reading their books and watching their videos but wow, when you see them in person it just all comes together!
I was very nervous to go - I would be sharing a room with someone that I did not know, I would be flying without my family, I would be going after Glenn would be in Des Moines for 3 days prior and I would not see him for 6 days, and the kids were off of school while I would be gone on Thurs and Friday for a teachers conference. But on the other hand this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that was paid for through a grant! So it was set and I was praying that things would go smoothly and that my roommate would be nice and we would have something in common. I set up that we would leave at 10:30 on Wed morning for a 2:30 flight. Tues. night I talk with Glenn and he does not think that there is enough time to get to Omaha and on the flight, but I felt stuck - what was I going to do? Laying in bed that night I decided to register online for my flight- at least I would have that done. Well, I couldn't, because I did not book the flight, I did not have the confirmation number. I thought - well I will see if the flight is on time. I look on the Internet - there is no flight leaving at 2:30! I thought - well maybe it's just not showing because the flight is full. I call the number and get an automated answering service. There is no 2:30 flight. By this time it's 11:00pm and there is not much I can do but pray and go to bed. I was up at 6:00 - by 6:30 I call Glenn and ask what he thinks that I should do. He suggests to try to call the airline and get a real person and ask about the flight. I called and we are actually on a flight at 1:50. So I call the gal that I am picking up and she is glad that I called because that sort of changed the morning. I called another gal that was to be on that flight too and woke her up and she was glad to be called too. I picked up the gal at 9:00am, my roommate, and we have so much in common that it was amazing! God is too good! The flight went well after we waited in the plane for an hour to take off because the lock on the door to the cockpit would not work. Since 9/11 they need to have that locked before they can take off.
The conference was amazing. Just to meet the authors of the concept in person was worth it. Love and Logic teaches that parents, and teachers can set limits in loving ways with empathy and consequences. I have a link on my blog that will lead you to their website. Love and Logic:
It teaches that anger and frustration feed misbehavior.
Kids crave the limits they argue about
Kids make good decisions by making lots of bad decisions - the road to wisdom is
paved with lots of little mistakes.
I will write more about that later. There are so many cool things that I want to write it down so that I remember!
God is good because we made it home and I have a new friend. I am more equipped to teach my classes. I am excited about parenting again. I am refreshed and ready to take on the task again.

Phil. 2:4-5 Says: "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had."

I was reading my email devotional from Proverbs 31 this morning and they likened friendship to paperclips - you will have to read it to understand. Anyway, the jist of the devotional, is that if you are not clipped to someone you can lose them. And sometimes you need to "clip" yourselves by going out to lunch, work together at a church function, serve eachother in humility. Sometimes that is very hard because they are so busy. I am sure that they miss the time that we have with each other too, but how do you connect when they are so busy to even think. I came across the passage above later this morning and thought, maybe that's it. Just to connect and ask them how it's going but not demanding anything back. Maybe you clip your life to them by just being where they are at and realizing this is not how they may want the friendship to be either but until they get through this season in their life, it can be no other way. The devotional stated that if we don't connect with friends they can be easily lost like a paperclip - I don't want that.

MOPS

I start MOPs today. No not cleaning -- Mothers of Preschoolers. I was asked to be a table leader, but it's a little strange. Strange not because I was asked but becuase I will be taking zero children along. Cole is in Kindergarten so he won't be coming with me. This is the last year that I can go to MOPs because the program is for moms who are expecting or adopting all the way through kindergarten. I will "graduate" this year. But do they have a group called MOGs - Mothers Of Grade Schoolers or what about MOTs --- Mothers Of Teenagers. They don't - that I am aware of, but I think that I will need that. I enjoy supporting eachother and the support that you get from others. Maybe by the time your kids enter school you are suppose to have the support from relationships of your child's friends, the church and others. I guess that is true. But sometimes I would think that it would be wonderful to have a support group for these ages too.

Shopping

Boy, do you know how much shopping that you can get done without kids? I had not been shopping by myself in a long time and finally went today. On the way, I called my mom and dad and they met me for lunch, how sweet is that! My dad is a barber and always has Mondays off. My mom works part time in a nursing home and has Mondays and Fridays off. We went to eat and then did some shopping for them, too. We hope to take a family picture soon and they needed to come up with something besides black! So we stretched them out of the box a bit and they got that deep teal color. Looks good! I am home before the kids get off the bus and put my purchases away. Looks like I may have to do this again ;) ! (Don't tell Glenn!)

Animals and heaven

This summer we got some cats from my brother. Grant wanted a cat and when they went to get the cats they came home with two! Glenn said they would be "garage" cats and would stay there most of the time but will come in to "play" occasionally. The one cat was Grant's and the other was suppose to go to someone else but he was very fluffy and cuddly, he stayed too, and became Cole's cat. Grant choose the name Dash. Cole had a bit of a harder time to decide what to name his cat - Flash, Cuddyer, Furball, ---became Fluffball. They are fun to watch and they have grown a ton. They are mostly in the garage but now in the morning when they want to come in they scratch on the door! I don't tolerate them on the table and when they get into my curtains they have to get out! But they are kind of nice (don't tell my family).

This brings us to the topic of today. Do animals live in heaven? Glenn and I didn't know. They don't have souls but God made them and set them in place for man to rule over. They are very beautiful and unique creatures, the flood did not destroy them. Will all kinds of animals be on the new earth? We may have to wait until we get there to find out.

Ps 126:5-6

Ps 126:5-6

Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Is this a perfect passage for mothers or what? Sometimes as mothers we wonder if we will ever pass out one phase or another and it can get overwhelming. But if we are faithful, keep planting faithfully, the harvest will bring joy! It is so easy to become overwhelmed with things, schoolwork, discipline, and life; that we forget the bigger picture. That's why relying on God's word is so important. It says in John 16:33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Isn't that reassuring! I have to remind myself of this sometimes daily. That's why I'm writing it down. I am saying it outloud! God has victory the all!

Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

Praise the Lord, Hallelujah Lord!
Happy is the woman who stands in awe of, respects, honors the Lord and takes pleasure in or is pleased to do his commands.
Her children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

What I am doing now, affects my kids and grandkids.
Lord I ask that you will find me faithful!

Words

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Isn't terrific when you least expect it, God speaks to you and gives reassurance?! He knows the right things to say and provides comfort! We may not understand the "whys" but we give God the glory for the comfort and help He blankets us with!

The Sting

55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"(I Cor. 15:55)



I know this to be true. I know that on the day when Jesus comes death has no victory, and no sting. But now on earth when you have lost someone, the sting comes in waves. It comes in unexpected places and hits you when you least expect it. It hits your husband and because he is hurting, it affects you. It's hard when you know that your husband is hurting and you can do nothing to take that pain away. God, why does death have to sting so much here on earth? I know that you have victory over death and mom is in a much better place... I know that... I believe that... but why does it have to sting? Why? There are families asking why right now. Death came suddenly for their loved one. Why?

Psalm 103
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Thank you for your promises, Lord, Thank you.

Soccer

We are heading full swing into fall. The city soccer league started this week. For Cole this is his first chance to play. He has been ready for a long time, because he has been hauled to games and more games of his brother. He was so excited. He scored a couple of goals. Kindergarten has no goalie, only 6 people on the field at a time, and no referee. They just learn the rules - like the white line is out of bounds and you stop playing when the ball goes over the line. They had their first game Saturday.
Grant actually has Glenn as one of his coaches. This is a first for Glenn and we had to do quick study on the internet for rules and such. On Saturday, Grant scored his first goal ever, too! It was fun to watch both kids. Grant is also playing flag football. It's too bad that they are right after eachother on Saturday mornings. He will be so tired!

Happy Birthday!

It's my Honey's birthday! Happy Birthday, Dear, I Love You! This is my tough football players! They are ready for action! Gotta love it!

Fight for your families

Neh. 4:14
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them,"Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families and your homes!"

I came across this verse yesterday. Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember our Great and Glorious Lord and fight for your friends, families and homes!

Labor Day

We had a busy weekend! My cousin got married about 5 hours away on Saturday. It was a gorgeous day and the bride just beautiful. Grant had to carry gifts, Glenn's job was parking cars and I had to pin on flowers. Cole "had" to park cars with dad. I even requested the Hokey Pokey because Cole had just learned that song in kindergarten - right and left! The boys got to swim in the motel, life is good! Then on our way home we drove through Madison county and found a bridge of Madison county. This particular bridge was a replica becuase a few years ago an arsonist burnt it down (we found this info out when we got home), neither is it on the original spot! Oh, well, I guess we can say that we have been there. Then we went to the Omaha Zoo. It was great to see all the animals. My favorite were the gorillas. Cole was kissed on the nose but the polar bear it swam so close and Grant loved the jaguar. It was fun, Cole loves all animals so it was a great adventure for him. We have not been there since he was 1 1/2. Then on Monday we went to Glenn's dad to celebrate his 70th birthday. We had a picnic at noon, it was a busy fun Labor Day weekend.

Good things

I was asked to help at church, leading the kid's activities at SCOOP, (Something Connecting Ourselves with Other People) on Wed. evenings. It is for a half hour with the kids, but I am just not sure. I already am gone from my family every Monday night working, and every other Tuesday night with Bible Study, how much do I leave them? What kind of message would I be sending them. They would be involved in the activities but I would not be there just for them. What is the balance of doing good things and doing good things that put your family second. Where do you draw the line? I don't want to say no to God. But I don't want to do things just to do things. I guess that is the million dollar question today. I declined the position but now have guilt - from the devil - maybe.

Cleaning

Does anyone really like to clean? If you said, 'yes', you are twice the woman I am. I am really bad at getting motivated to clean, I like a clean house but I would like to wave a wand and presto, it would be done! It pleases my husband to have that clean house, but it just gets messy and dirty right away again! All the work that is done can be destroyed in a manner of minutes! This got me to thinking. What if God felt the same way about my life. If God thought, 'Sure, I can forgive her sins, but in a manner of minutes its all messy and dirty again due to sins, so I'm not going to do it.' But our God is full of grace, abounding with love for me. Thanks God! Thanks for not giving up on me and leaving me to drowned in my mess! Well, I better go - I got some messes to clean up!

Growing Up!

Cole is a kindergartner this year! Glenn and I have to laugh sometimes at the big words that he uses or tries to use. He says today, "Mom, I have a cankatoo," pointing to his mouth. He shows me the start of a canker sore and I tell him the correct name. "Oh, I have a canker sore." The other day we were riding in the car with our family and Cole says, "Boy, it smells like cow maneuver!" LOL! Cole you make me smile!

Grant is a third grader! He now has the letter grades on his paper! Can play flag football and soccer in the city league and is getting very tall. He learned to knee board this summer on vacation. I am very proud of him!

Ps 37:5

God speaks from all different kinds of things. I receive a daily devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries and today the verse just hit me: Ps 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him and He will help you." Do I commit everything? - That was the challenge in today's devotional. Do I commit my kids, my family, my feelings, my worries, my job? And do I do that everyday? Lord, I try to do this, but are you asking for me to do it daily? Then - trust in Him and he will help me. Ok, Lord, I commit my family - each one, I commit my job and my house work and my fears, I trust you to be in those everyday situations. And I will get the help that I need.

Blogging a New Experience

Well, Here I go... I am entering a new world of blogging I have been reading several of my friends blogs over the past 6 months and have enjoyed their company and words of wisdom. I have laughed with them and cried. Now with a little encouragement have started one of my own. I am not sure that I will care for it but I will try it and if I don't like it I will stop. I know so little but will learn. I started signing up and then questioned if I was doing the right thing but when the url- saved4good was not taken - well it was if it were a sign. So blogging community beware - here I come!