It's been a while since I had a post on here. Feeling a bit nostalgic today. Have written some about my son. Thought I would share some more about him and also my thoughts and plans for the future. Each day is a new adventure. Seems in the day-to-day blur sometimes we forget to stop and enjoy the moment. There are things here that I know will be hard to follow through. I can only pray to God and ask for his strength and courage to get me through. Then, and only then, can I feel that I have done my best as a mom.
I remember holding my son for the very first time and gazing with wonder that he was mine. I was overcome with emotions and cried. The nurse asked, "What's wrong?" I said, "Nothing is wrong. I'm finally holding my baby." He was born at 1:12 am on a Friday, about six weeks preterm. I finally was able to hold him a couple days later and a few hours before my discharge from the hospital. I was wondering what would he become? The answer to that question will not be found in a book, but in my willingness to patiently teach him day by day.
Aiden is my first and only child. I also have a sixteen-year-old step-daughter who spends her summers with us. I had prepared myself as best I could for the job of being a mom. I read every book I could get my hands on. I wanted to know the best ways to do everything from feeding him to disciplining him. I even kept a record of everything he ate for the first year of his life. I was obsessed with his growth. Also have the baby book bursting at the spine, already full of notes. Have his first 100 words listed. Most every first I can think of is listed and recorded.
That was only a couple of years ago. I keep finding myself thinking about the future. What kind of child he will be, what kind of teenager will he be. I know that as a baby grows into a child and then into a teenager the problems a mother is faced with grow and change and only get more complex.
Children require a great deal of patience and teaching. Thinking back to how my siblings and I are each different and unique; sometimes I wonder if it has to do with birth order, life experiences or aging parents. I was the baby and our mother passed away when I was thirteen years old. She was 49. Each year I get closer to the age she was when she passed away. There is a part of me that is fearful that my son will have to deal with the death of a parent. My mother had breast cancer. There are things most moms wish they could go back and change, but, unfortunately, any mistakes we make as moms cannot be undone.
How can a mother raise a child who loves the Lord, works hard, and is kind to others when this world encourages immorality?
Here are some thoughts. Whether you have a newborn baby or teen, begin setting an example for Godly living today. It will be easier to change bad habits in a very young child than an older child, but it is possible to teach children at any age.
Be consistent. One of the biggest mistakes we all make is being inconsistent. When you tell your child the rules, follow through. If your child knows he is not supposed to jump on the sofa, do not ignore the bad behavior because you don’t feel like dealing with a fuss or because you are busy or tired.
Be patient. Being a mom is not always easy. My two-year-old repeats a lot of the words he hears. Lately one he repeats is --- PATIENT. He hears me talking to myself. I need to be more patient. You will have to teach your child the same principles over and over… and over again. Sometimes these teaching moments can be painful. When your child tests your resolve by mouthing off, it pains your heart. Patience will help you to deal with the disobedience without losing your cool. Patience will also help you to enjoy those many teachable moments. For instance, my son wants to be my helper. He wants to help me around the house. I let him help me push the vacuum or stir the cookie dough batter. Little things, but as he gets older he can help in bigger ways. I am teaching him how to love by my willingness to be patient.
Be firm. Children need to know their limits. If you allow your child complete freedom without setting specific limits, you will raise children who are out of control and rude. Parents who set reasonable rules for their children have children who are secure in their love and who are able to respect authority on a greater level; for example, teachers, employers, the government.
Be an example. If it is important to you that your children are well mannered, respect others, and work hard set the standard by your own behavior. Children learn more by watching you than they do by listening to you. Always remember to say please and thank you. If your child brings you a flower or helps to clean up, tell him thank you. When you are thoughtful of the needy in your church or community, you are setting a good example. If you want your child to learn to be neat, make sure you keep your own things picked up.
Be fun. Motherhood will pass by faster than you could ever imagine. I already look at his baby pictures with misty eyes. Already missing his itty-bitty days. I realize how much I want to hang onto the precious times we have together. Suppose that comes from the fact that my mother passed away when I was 13.
Read to your child daily. Play games with your child. Laugh with your child. Explore the world together. Find the magic in the everyday moments. Snuggle as much as possible. These are the things I remember most about my mom. Her ability to laugh at herself, find the humor in little things and her ability to always love. You always knew you were loved when she was around.
Be a witness. Giving a solid foundation of Biblical teaching is the greatest gift you can give your child. Pray with your child every day. Read the Bible together. Study together. Talk about the Scriptures and how the Bible applies to today. Show your child what it means to live a Godly life.
There will be times when you feel that all your hard work is not working. You can trust God. Seeing is believing, but believing without seeing is faith.
Grace and Peace Be With You!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A Neighbor's a Neighbor, No Matter How Small
It is about a week and a half until VBS starts. I have volunteered to teach the three year old class. While looking through the materials, I have decided to include some extra things to add to what the publisher has. Three year olds are active little people. Anyways, each day of VBS we will be studying a different parable of Jesus. I found that a Dr. Seuss book, "Horton Hears a Who", goes along with the story of the Good Samaritan. I am planning to include it with the other materials of the day. Horton is a lovable elephant. He hears a voice from a tiny speck on a little flower. No one else hears it, but he knows there are people there.
They will learn from Horton Hears a Who how each of us, as a part of God's family, needs to make our voice heard. As well as how we can stand up for those that can make their voices heard. But the lesson I hope the kids will identify with is how God expects us to help others when we can - no matter how old we are.
The VBS theme is a Rain Forest and the overall theme for the week is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.
Another Dr. Seuss book (story actually) that I am considering is "The Sneetches". I already have the Horton book in my personal collection, but am looking for this other book.
This is the idea for the sneetches. These large yellow birds have grouped themselves into two separate groups according to if they have stars on their bellies or not. Those with stars think they are better, and the sneetches without stars wish to be like the others. With the help of a con-man named Sylvester McMonkey McBean the Sneetches finally learn that they are all the best sneetches on the beaches. The characters in both the Horton book and the Sneetches book go along with the rain forest theme.
As the Bible teaches, we, like the sneetches, each have value and are loved by God. We have each been created by Him; we are fearfully and wonderfully made! This Dr. Seuss book relates how we can develop the same attitudes as the Sneetches - either we think we are better than others or we think we're not as good as someone else.
God thinks we are each special, and because of this He gave His Son, Jesus, that whoever (anyone and everyone) that would choose to believe (trust) in Him can have eternal life and live in Heaven with Him forever.
Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.”
Psalm 139:14 "I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Our God is an awesome God! Wish me luck as this VBS approaches. Who knew that there could be Bible stories taught with Dr. Seuss?
They will learn from Horton Hears a Who how each of us, as a part of God's family, needs to make our voice heard. As well as how we can stand up for those that can make their voices heard. But the lesson I hope the kids will identify with is how God expects us to help others when we can - no matter how old we are.
The VBS theme is a Rain Forest and the overall theme for the week is John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.
Another Dr. Seuss book (story actually) that I am considering is "The Sneetches". I already have the Horton book in my personal collection, but am looking for this other book.
This is the idea for the sneetches. These large yellow birds have grouped themselves into two separate groups according to if they have stars on their bellies or not. Those with stars think they are better, and the sneetches without stars wish to be like the others. With the help of a con-man named Sylvester McMonkey McBean the Sneetches finally learn that they are all the best sneetches on the beaches. The characters in both the Horton book and the Sneetches book go along with the rain forest theme.
As the Bible teaches, we, like the sneetches, each have value and are loved by God. We have each been created by Him; we are fearfully and wonderfully made! This Dr. Seuss book relates how we can develop the same attitudes as the Sneetches - either we think we are better than others or we think we're not as good as someone else.
God thinks we are each special, and because of this He gave His Son, Jesus, that whoever (anyone and everyone) that would choose to believe (trust) in Him can have eternal life and live in Heaven with Him forever.
Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.”
Psalm 139:14 "I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Our God is an awesome God! Wish me luck as this VBS approaches. Who knew that there could be Bible stories taught with Dr. Seuss?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Quest for Joy
Did you know that God commands us to be glad?
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
1) God created us for his glory
"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth,... whom I created for my glory" (Isaiah 43:6-7)
God made us to magnify his greatness - the way telescopes magnify stars. He created us to put his goodness and truth and beauty and wisdom and justice on display. The greatest display of God's glory comes from deep delight in all that he is. This means that God gets the praise and we get the pleasure. God created us so that he is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
2) Every human should live for God's glory
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
(1 Corinthians 10:31).
If God made us for his glory, it is clear that we should live for his glory. Our duty comes from his design. So our first obligation is to show God's value by being satisfied with all that he is for us. This is the essence of loving God (Matthew 22:37) and trusting him (1 John 5:3-4) and being thankful to him (Psalm 100:2-4) It is the root of all true obedience, especially loving others (Colossians 1:4-5).
3) All of us have failed to glorify God as we should
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
What does it mean to "fall short of the glory of God?" It means that none of us has trusted and treasured God the way we should. We have not been satisfied with his greatness and walked in his ways. We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God, which is the essence of idolatry (Romans 1:21-23). Since sin came into the world we have all been deeply resistant to having God as our all-satisfying treasure (Ephesians 2:3). This is an appalling offense to the greatness of God (Jeremiah 2:12-13).
4) All of us are subject to God's just condemnation
"The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).
We have all belittled the glory of God. How? By preferring other things above him. By our ingratitude, distrust and disobedience. So God is just in shutting us out from the enjoyment of his glory forever. "They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
5) God sent his only son Jesus to provide eternal life and joy
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15)
The good news is that Christ died for sinners like us. And he rose physically from the dead to validate the saving power of his death and to open the gates of eternal life and joy (1 Corinthians 15:20). This means God can acquit guilty sinners and still be just (Romans 3:25-26). "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Coming home to God is where all deep and lasting satisfaction is found.
6) The benefits purchased by the death of Christ belong to those who repent and trust him
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" (Acts 3:19). "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
"Repent" means to turn from all the deceitful promises of sin. "Faith" means being satisfied with all that God promises to be for us in Jesus. "He who believes in me," Jesus says, "shall never thirst" (John 6:35). We do not earn our salvation. We cannot merit it (Romans 4:4-5). It is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a free gift (Romans 3:24). We will have it if we cherish it above all things (Matthew 13:44). When we do that, God's aim in creation is accomplished: He is glorified in us and we are satisfied in him - forever.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
1) God created us for his glory
"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth,... whom I created for my glory" (Isaiah 43:6-7)
God made us to magnify his greatness - the way telescopes magnify stars. He created us to put his goodness and truth and beauty and wisdom and justice on display. The greatest display of God's glory comes from deep delight in all that he is. This means that God gets the praise and we get the pleasure. God created us so that he is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
2) Every human should live for God's glory
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
(1 Corinthians 10:31).
If God made us for his glory, it is clear that we should live for his glory. Our duty comes from his design. So our first obligation is to show God's value by being satisfied with all that he is for us. This is the essence of loving God (Matthew 22:37) and trusting him (1 John 5:3-4) and being thankful to him (Psalm 100:2-4) It is the root of all true obedience, especially loving others (Colossians 1:4-5).
3) All of us have failed to glorify God as we should
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
What does it mean to "fall short of the glory of God?" It means that none of us has trusted and treasured God the way we should. We have not been satisfied with his greatness and walked in his ways. We have sought our satisfaction in other things, and treated them as more valuable than God, which is the essence of idolatry (Romans 1:21-23). Since sin came into the world we have all been deeply resistant to having God as our all-satisfying treasure (Ephesians 2:3). This is an appalling offense to the greatness of God (Jeremiah 2:12-13).
4) All of us are subject to God's just condemnation
"The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).
We have all belittled the glory of God. How? By preferring other things above him. By our ingratitude, distrust and disobedience. So God is just in shutting us out from the enjoyment of his glory forever. "They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
5) God sent his only son Jesus to provide eternal life and joy
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (1 Timothy 1:15)
The good news is that Christ died for sinners like us. And he rose physically from the dead to validate the saving power of his death and to open the gates of eternal life and joy (1 Corinthians 15:20). This means God can acquit guilty sinners and still be just (Romans 3:25-26). "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Coming home to God is where all deep and lasting satisfaction is found.
6) The benefits purchased by the death of Christ belong to those who repent and trust him
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" (Acts 3:19). "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
"Repent" means to turn from all the deceitful promises of sin. "Faith" means being satisfied with all that God promises to be for us in Jesus. "He who believes in me," Jesus says, "shall never thirst" (John 6:35). We do not earn our salvation. We cannot merit it (Romans 4:4-5). It is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a free gift (Romans 3:24). We will have it if we cherish it above all things (Matthew 13:44). When we do that, God's aim in creation is accomplished: He is glorified in us and we are satisfied in him - forever.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Heaven: Home of Laughter
My first post had a couple funny real life stories. I also want to include links to more serious things. They still include references to humor, but not my own personal stories. From time to time, I will include my personal life experiences. However, this article really speaks about what I want to include in this blog. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.epm.org/artman2/publish/Eternity_life_in_heaven/Heaven_Home_of_Laughter.shtml
http://www.epm.org/artman2/publish/Eternity_life_in_heaven/Heaven_Home_of_Laughter.shtml
Friday, May 14, 2010
Life in the Not So Fast Lane -- Angels Watching Over Me
A couple of months ago, my husband and I made the journey of another PCS. Yes, we are a military family. My husband has been married to the Air Force longer than to me. He has completed almost nineteen years of service. This summer will be our six year wedding anniversary.
We decided to drive one car and tow the other one so we could all be together. Travelling with a two year old across several states. Figured it would make the trip easier. A few months before we moved, we took the truck into the shop to be serviced. The mechanic found several problems with the truck. Thus, "Angels Watching Over Me" in the title.
We knew we needed new tires and new brakes. Didn't know how bad the tires were, until after he took them off the truck and showed us how they were cracked. It is a miracle we didn't have a blow out at some point. There were other problems too with the rear differential leaking fluid all over the brakes. The mechanic even took a video tape of various problems he found with the truck. Never thought I would be watching a movie about our vehicle at the repair shop. Funny thing was when he connected the camera to the TV in the customer waiting room. The beginning of the video was his dog. He loves his dog like it was his child. Very sweet.
Luckily, we were able to have all these problems fixed. We made the journey to our new base. Arrived here safe and sound. Our stuff, well, that's another story. Gotta love movers. But that is what reminds you about what is really important in life. Not the stuff you accumulate, but the people you have with you to share this incredible journey we call life.
That brings me to another story that happened recently. I went to the commissary to get some groceries. I need to add that it was raining this lovely spring day in Colorado. I purchased a few items and put my son in his car seat then took the cart around to the back of the truck to put the groceries away. I forgot that I had let him hold the truck keys while I fastened his car seat.
It is when I have the back window to the SUV open that I realize Aiden has the keys! I hear the doors lock. I hear them unlock. Back and forth, lock, unlock. I run over to the passenger door where my son is sitting with the keys in his hands. Little two year old fingers pushing buttons. Lock, unlock. OK, now I can open the door, NO! Locked again. Now, uh-oh the truck just started.
Really? I freak out and try to get into the Navigator from the opened window in back. I get about half my body through and then... stuck. Oh, no! I figure everyone in this area of the parking lot must be laughing at me by now, but no. Everyone is busy with their own lives. Doing their own thing. Nobody seems to notice me hanging out the back of my SUV.
Then it happens! The most beautiful sound I thought I would hear. The doors are unlocked. I tell my son to not push a button. Mommy will be right there. My son must have been very amused by me. He didn't cry at all through all of this. I was able to get out of the truck and get the keys back from my son. Give him a kiss on the cheek and tell him that I love him. I get into the driver's seat. Before I put the car into gear, I put my head on the steering wheel and just laugh and laugh.
Proverbs 17:22 says it best. "A happy heart is like good medicine. But a broken spirit drains your strength."
We decided to drive one car and tow the other one so we could all be together. Travelling with a two year old across several states. Figured it would make the trip easier. A few months before we moved, we took the truck into the shop to be serviced. The mechanic found several problems with the truck. Thus, "Angels Watching Over Me" in the title.
We knew we needed new tires and new brakes. Didn't know how bad the tires were, until after he took them off the truck and showed us how they were cracked. It is a miracle we didn't have a blow out at some point. There were other problems too with the rear differential leaking fluid all over the brakes. The mechanic even took a video tape of various problems he found with the truck. Never thought I would be watching a movie about our vehicle at the repair shop. Funny thing was when he connected the camera to the TV in the customer waiting room. The beginning of the video was his dog. He loves his dog like it was his child. Very sweet.
Luckily, we were able to have all these problems fixed. We made the journey to our new base. Arrived here safe and sound. Our stuff, well, that's another story. Gotta love movers. But that is what reminds you about what is really important in life. Not the stuff you accumulate, but the people you have with you to share this incredible journey we call life.
That brings me to another story that happened recently. I went to the commissary to get some groceries. I need to add that it was raining this lovely spring day in Colorado. I purchased a few items and put my son in his car seat then took the cart around to the back of the truck to put the groceries away. I forgot that I had let him hold the truck keys while I fastened his car seat.
It is when I have the back window to the SUV open that I realize Aiden has the keys! I hear the doors lock. I hear them unlock. Back and forth, lock, unlock. I run over to the passenger door where my son is sitting with the keys in his hands. Little two year old fingers pushing buttons. Lock, unlock. OK, now I can open the door, NO! Locked again. Now, uh-oh the truck just started.
Really? I freak out and try to get into the Navigator from the opened window in back. I get about half my body through and then... stuck. Oh, no! I figure everyone in this area of the parking lot must be laughing at me by now, but no. Everyone is busy with their own lives. Doing their own thing. Nobody seems to notice me hanging out the back of my SUV.
Then it happens! The most beautiful sound I thought I would hear. The doors are unlocked. I tell my son to not push a button. Mommy will be right there. My son must have been very amused by me. He didn't cry at all through all of this. I was able to get out of the truck and get the keys back from my son. Give him a kiss on the cheek and tell him that I love him. I get into the driver's seat. Before I put the car into gear, I put my head on the steering wheel and just laugh and laugh.
Proverbs 17:22 says it best. "A happy heart is like good medicine. But a broken spirit drains your strength."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)