If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction! Proverbs 12:1
When I was in PT school, my days were mapped out for me. I had class all day and studied anytime I was not in class. I knew when I would eat and what time I hoped to go to sleep. I had Wednesdays off, so that was my day to clean the house. Granted, I was only cleaning up after 2 then, but I even found time to exercise and go shopping when I needed groceries. My current life is spinning out of control, and I crave that discipline and that planner with every single moment written down and accounted for!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Kids crave discipline”? I think adults do, too. We like to enjoy a clean house and feel good about our toned bodies. We don’t, however, like the work involved in getting there. We don’t like to be told what to do…even if we are our own drill sergeant. But we do so much better when we have a schedule and stick to it. Just like our little ones, we thrive when we go to sleep and wake up at the same time. Although those sleep in days are nice, just think of all that could be done in that extra hour or two!
But let’s pause a moment and be realistic. There are certainly 2 ends of the spectrum. Please don’t try to micro-manage your life until you miss out on all the fun of raising kids. Sometimes you just have to ditch your plans to scrub the sink when that cute little one comes up to you with book in hand saying, “Mommy wead”. Do set some goals, do make some lists, and definitely cross one off each day you can. But don’t forget the excitement that comes with a spontaneous trip to the park on a sunny day or a spur of the moment ice cream cone…even if it means a little more to clean up!
These days are already passing so quickly. Parker and your children won’t remember the sparkling floors or Mommy’s toned arms. They will remember rolling around on the floor (which you have crossed off your list as clean enough to roll around on). And they will remember being lifted onto the slide by Mommy (who crossed a kick-boxing class off her list to get those strong arms). So make your lists, cross them off, and get to work!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Disappointments
Be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:7
Are you disappointed? Do other disappoint you? I thought for a while after reading this reflection and couldn't really focus on someone or something that has recently disappointed me. I realized that I often feel the most disappoint with myself. Do you set high expectations for yourself? Do you always meet these expectations? I think as women, mothers, and wives we set high expectations for ourselves - then realize that there are only so many hours in a day, or our children get sick, or perhaps our spouses have work late. I get disappointed when I can't check things off my "to do" list.
The real question though is God disappointed in us? Our first daily priority is to set our sights on pleasing God - what if is this is the only expectation that you set for yourself each day? Would you be disappointed at the end of each day?
The reflection also notes that by remembering how we've disappointed God and others, we can be more understanding and forgiving when other disappoint us. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, remember Christ's example, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
This week, perhaps focus on setting only one expectation of pleasing God each day and then remember to forgive those who sin against us as we may sin against Him.
Are you disappointed? Do other disappoint you? I thought for a while after reading this reflection and couldn't really focus on someone or something that has recently disappointed me. I realized that I often feel the most disappoint with myself. Do you set high expectations for yourself? Do you always meet these expectations? I think as women, mothers, and wives we set high expectations for ourselves - then realize that there are only so many hours in a day, or our children get sick, or perhaps our spouses have work late. I get disappointed when I can't check things off my "to do" list.
The real question though is God disappointed in us? Our first daily priority is to set our sights on pleasing God - what if is this is the only expectation that you set for yourself each day? Would you be disappointed at the end of each day?
The reflection also notes that by remembering how we've disappointed God and others, we can be more understanding and forgiving when other disappoint us. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, remember Christ's example, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
This week, perhaps focus on setting only one expectation of pleasing God each day and then remember to forgive those who sin against us as we may sin against Him.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Difficulties
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.James 1:12
I can remember thinking once I got out of high school, life would be easy…no more difficulties. Then it was once I get out of college, then once I get married, then once I get out of PT school and get a job. I even thought life would get easier after I had kids! Sadly, I still prescribe to this way of thinking. You’ve probably said it before…once I get past the toddler age. Why haven’t we learned our lesson?
Life is full of difficulties. Earlier in James 1:2, he does not say if we face trials, but when. You’ve probably all heard that sermon before. But seriously, God has a purpose for our trials and testing. We are becoming a pearl if we can persevere. The grit and the grime of life are actually polishing us. Think about the older women in your life. My Big Mama is an amazing Christian woman who shines with the glow of Christ’s love. I want to be her one day.
And an even greater reward than having the beauty of a pearl is eternal life. The NIV version says that if we persevere we receive the crown of life, which my commentary believes is eternal life. We don’t have to be perfect, only do our best while here on earth to enjoy a blissful rest after this life is over.
The author mentions making plans to help us when tough times come along. I have trouble thinking past next week, but you never know what life will bring next week. Just be sure not to get carried away in all of the planning and forget that God is in control. He gives the flowers beautiful clothes and gives the birds food to eat, so even more He will take care of us as His masterpiece creation.
By the way, please be in prayer for me as I prepare for an Angel Touch meeting on January 26th. I will meet with volunteers and organize the ministry to families who have lost a child. I am actually following through on one of the goals I set in an earlier blog…how are your goals coming?
I can remember thinking once I got out of high school, life would be easy…no more difficulties. Then it was once I get out of college, then once I get married, then once I get out of PT school and get a job. I even thought life would get easier after I had kids! Sadly, I still prescribe to this way of thinking. You’ve probably said it before…once I get past the toddler age. Why haven’t we learned our lesson?
Life is full of difficulties. Earlier in James 1:2, he does not say if we face trials, but when. You’ve probably all heard that sermon before. But seriously, God has a purpose for our trials and testing. We are becoming a pearl if we can persevere. The grit and the grime of life are actually polishing us. Think about the older women in your life. My Big Mama is an amazing Christian woman who shines with the glow of Christ’s love. I want to be her one day.
And an even greater reward than having the beauty of a pearl is eternal life. The NIV version says that if we persevere we receive the crown of life, which my commentary believes is eternal life. We don’t have to be perfect, only do our best while here on earth to enjoy a blissful rest after this life is over.
The author mentions making plans to help us when tough times come along. I have trouble thinking past next week, but you never know what life will bring next week. Just be sure not to get carried away in all of the planning and forget that God is in control. He gives the flowers beautiful clothes and gives the birds food to eat, so even more He will take care of us as His masterpiece creation.
By the way, please be in prayer for me as I prepare for an Angel Touch meeting on January 26th. I will meet with volunteers and organize the ministry to families who have lost a child. I am actually following through on one of the goals I set in an earlier blog…how are your goals coming?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Courage
So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is ore valuable than a building any day. Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God. Moses did a good job in God's house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come. Christ as Son is in charge of the house. Now, if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence, we're the house. Hebrew 3:1-6
Courage has been demonstrated in the most unfortunate situation this week, as people are pulled from the wreckage in Haiti. Can you imagine the courage it took for a young woman to withstand 10 hours under rubble until her husband arrive to save her... this is just one of the many stories that you may have heard this week. Please pray for the survivors, those who may have lost loved ones, and the Haitians who must rebuild - pray that they have the courage they need.
Where does their courage come from? Where does your courage as a woman and a mother come from. Courage is a gift from God. As the reflection says, "Courage is already inside of you because God put it there... simply walk hand in hand with Jesus." What do you fear? Why do you need courage?
About one year ago, I needed not only my faith in God but the courage that he instilled within as I received horrifying news that my then seven month old son had hydrocephalus, caused by a brain tumor and needed immediate brain surgery. Looking back I think that was probably one of the times, thus far, that I've had the most courage. The courage came from God and my strength came through prayer, family, and friends. If you're lacking courage pray for God to show you the way, give you the answer, or put someone in your life to provide you strength.
Courage has been demonstrated in the most unfortunate situation this week, as people are pulled from the wreckage in Haiti. Can you imagine the courage it took for a young woman to withstand 10 hours under rubble until her husband arrive to save her... this is just one of the many stories that you may have heard this week. Please pray for the survivors, those who may have lost loved ones, and the Haitians who must rebuild - pray that they have the courage they need.
Where does their courage come from? Where does your courage as a woman and a mother come from. Courage is a gift from God. As the reflection says, "Courage is already inside of you because God put it there... simply walk hand in hand with Jesus." What do you fear? Why do you need courage?
About one year ago, I needed not only my faith in God but the courage that he instilled within as I received horrifying news that my then seven month old son had hydrocephalus, caused by a brain tumor and needed immediate brain surgery. Looking back I think that was probably one of the times, thus far, that I've had the most courage. The courage came from God and my strength came through prayer, family, and friends. If you're lacking courage pray for God to show you the way, give you the answer, or put someone in your life to provide you strength.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Character
What this adds up to, then, is this; no more lies,
no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth.
In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all.
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Ephesians 4:25
So before I get started, I really need you to feel sorry for me. It is about 10:15 on New Year’s Eve, and I am blogging. It gets worse…my husband is at the fire station already sleeping and my child is asleep. I will welcome the New Year in sad and alone. Aren’t you supposed to be with the person you are with on New Year’s for the rest of the year? Maybe that’s not so bad. I could use a little more time to myself!
Anyway, on to character. I have been taught about character all my life. I think people get a little jaded when it comes to the word. Role models are known for their character. Commercials are made about character. Books are written about character. And we are always reminded that Character Counts! No wonder it goes in one ear and out the other. But the above verse focuses more on being honest, which is revealing character through actions and words. In Ephesians Paul is saying that we need to stop trying to be more glamorous than we really are. Who cares what you posses and how great your life is, especially if you are lying about it.
I mean, honestly, there will be no movies made about my time on earth, no tv shows about my fabulous lifestyle, and no books about my wisdom and charm. I will never be as cool as I want to be, never have the perfect house, clothes, etc. But my character can do so much more than those superficial things. I can teach my child how fabulous a life with Christ can be. I can show my husband how glamorous a wife who shines with God’s inner peace and joy can be. I can teach my 4 year old Sunday School class how wise a person who follows Jesus’ example can be.
As the author alludes to, don’t let the television, People magazine, or the internet teach your child about character. You must demonstrate and verbally teach honesty and integrity. Yes, your actions speak louder than words, but have a conversation about doing the right thing when a tough situation arises. If the cashier forgets to ring up something and you catch it, tell your child that Jesus taught us to tell the truth…don’t just hope they were paying attention.
Happy New Year and I pray God will bless each one of your families with amazing love, grace, and character, too!
no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth.
In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all.
When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Ephesians 4:25
So before I get started, I really need you to feel sorry for me. It is about 10:15 on New Year’s Eve, and I am blogging. It gets worse…my husband is at the fire station already sleeping and my child is asleep. I will welcome the New Year in sad and alone. Aren’t you supposed to be with the person you are with on New Year’s for the rest of the year? Maybe that’s not so bad. I could use a little more time to myself!
Anyway, on to character. I have been taught about character all my life. I think people get a little jaded when it comes to the word. Role models are known for their character. Commercials are made about character. Books are written about character. And we are always reminded that Character Counts! No wonder it goes in one ear and out the other. But the above verse focuses more on being honest, which is revealing character through actions and words. In Ephesians Paul is saying that we need to stop trying to be more glamorous than we really are. Who cares what you posses and how great your life is, especially if you are lying about it.
I mean, honestly, there will be no movies made about my time on earth, no tv shows about my fabulous lifestyle, and no books about my wisdom and charm. I will never be as cool as I want to be, never have the perfect house, clothes, etc. But my character can do so much more than those superficial things. I can teach my child how fabulous a life with Christ can be. I can show my husband how glamorous a wife who shines with God’s inner peace and joy can be. I can teach my 4 year old Sunday School class how wise a person who follows Jesus’ example can be.
As the author alludes to, don’t let the television, People magazine, or the internet teach your child about character. You must demonstrate and verbally teach honesty and integrity. Yes, your actions speak louder than words, but have a conversation about doing the right thing when a tough situation arises. If the cashier forgets to ring up something and you catch it, tell your child that Jesus taught us to tell the truth…don’t just hope they were paying attention.
Happy New Year and I pray God will bless each one of your families with amazing love, grace, and character, too!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Busyness
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. - Proverbs 31:15
Ironically, I finally sat down to read my reflection (which I was supposed to post last week) and learned that it was about "busyness." I didn't get to my post last week during the holiday week because I was just too busy... I'm sure that we were all saying that last week. It's amazing how quickly the holidays come and go. It's actually amazing how quickly each day comes and goes, which is why it's so important to stop and reflect on how we spend our busy days.
What keeps you busy each day? Work, kids, volunteer commitments, making dinner, household chores, prayer, church, talking with your husband... the list goes on. This week's reflection made me think about how I do spend my days. My husband and I make an effort to focus on Owen only for his last hour before bed and Owen loves it! Since doing this, I found that I don't blog as much, hardly update my photos online, have no idea what my friends are saying on facebook, and take weeks to return emails sometimes but I'm spending my time in, what I consider is the most important way, loving my son.
The reflection asks us to read Luke 10:38-42 where we see that Martha is so busy preparing for Jesus' visit that she needs a reminder from Him to be more like Mary... to sit at His feet and listen to Him. How often do we find ourselves so distracted in preparing for and entertaining visitors that we forget to enjoy them. The same is true with Christmas. How often we become distracted by the preparations for Jesus' birth that we forget to celebrate Him. We have a tradition in my parents home, to first wish baby Jesus' a Happy Birthday before opening any presents. What a treat it was this year to stop the busyness and hear my son say "Happy Birthday Jesus." Take a minute this week to evaluate what keeps you so busy and be sure that it focuses on honoring God and your family.
Ironically, I finally sat down to read my reflection (which I was supposed to post last week) and learned that it was about "busyness." I didn't get to my post last week during the holiday week because I was just too busy... I'm sure that we were all saying that last week. It's amazing how quickly the holidays come and go. It's actually amazing how quickly each day comes and goes, which is why it's so important to stop and reflect on how we spend our busy days.
What keeps you busy each day? Work, kids, volunteer commitments, making dinner, household chores, prayer, church, talking with your husband... the list goes on. This week's reflection made me think about how I do spend my days. My husband and I make an effort to focus on Owen only for his last hour before bed and Owen loves it! Since doing this, I found that I don't blog as much, hardly update my photos online, have no idea what my friends are saying on facebook, and take weeks to return emails sometimes but I'm spending my time in, what I consider is the most important way, loving my son.
The reflection asks us to read Luke 10:38-42 where we see that Martha is so busy preparing for Jesus' visit that she needs a reminder from Him to be more like Mary... to sit at His feet and listen to Him. How often do we find ourselves so distracted in preparing for and entertaining visitors that we forget to enjoy them. The same is true with Christmas. How often we become distracted by the preparations for Jesus' birth that we forget to celebrate Him. We have a tradition in my parents home, to first wish baby Jesus' a Happy Birthday before opening any presents. What a treat it was this year to stop the busyness and hear my son say "Happy Birthday Jesus." Take a minute this week to evaluate what keeps you so busy and be sure that it focuses on honoring God and your family.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Beliefs
The gullible believe anything they’re told;
the prudent sift and weigh every word.
Proverbs 14:15
I believe this is the most important week we have read in the devotional. The quote is so true that beliefs are the foundation for your life. What you believe shapes who you are and how people see you. They are the difference between Heaven and Hell, for you and your family. No pressure, right? Exactly! I am finally beginning to learn that the future of my friends and family does not depend on me and my beliefs. Thank goodness! I am not good at explaining God’s plan for our lives or how to accept Him as your Savior. I am a sinful human, but I have the Holy Spirit in me to guide my words to my brothers, guide my actions in front of Parker, and help me to be an example to each person I come into contact with.
We are in charge of no one’s eternity but our own. But as the passage tells us, we can certainly help our kids understand our beliefs and teach them to listen for God’s voice. Even as small as Parker is (he just turned 17 months) we read Bible stories, pray together, and talk about Jesus all the time. I am helping build his foundation. I am a Christian today because my Big Mama always made sure I was at Vacation Bible School and set a good example for me.
I am currently in a Bible study that is reading the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. The first few chapters went slow, but I am beginning to learn a lot about how to raise Parker with Biblical goals in mind. They talk about how the goal should not be for your child to be saved, but to teach your child the ways of God. This will shape their attitudes, their responses to tough situations, their important decisions, everything.
So start teaching your child about Jesus, google the words to those old songs you sang as a kid, and let your child know that there is only one person who loves him more than you do…God.
the prudent sift and weigh every word.
Proverbs 14:15
I believe this is the most important week we have read in the devotional. The quote is so true that beliefs are the foundation for your life. What you believe shapes who you are and how people see you. They are the difference between Heaven and Hell, for you and your family. No pressure, right? Exactly! I am finally beginning to learn that the future of my friends and family does not depend on me and my beliefs. Thank goodness! I am not good at explaining God’s plan for our lives or how to accept Him as your Savior. I am a sinful human, but I have the Holy Spirit in me to guide my words to my brothers, guide my actions in front of Parker, and help me to be an example to each person I come into contact with.
We are in charge of no one’s eternity but our own. But as the passage tells us, we can certainly help our kids understand our beliefs and teach them to listen for God’s voice. Even as small as Parker is (he just turned 17 months) we read Bible stories, pray together, and talk about Jesus all the time. I am helping build his foundation. I am a Christian today because my Big Mama always made sure I was at Vacation Bible School and set a good example for me.
I am currently in a Bible study that is reading the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. The first few chapters went slow, but I am beginning to learn a lot about how to raise Parker with Biblical goals in mind. They talk about how the goal should not be for your child to be saved, but to teach your child the ways of God. This will shape their attitudes, their responses to tough situations, their important decisions, everything.
So start teaching your child about Jesus, google the words to those old songs you sang as a kid, and let your child know that there is only one person who loves him more than you do…God.
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