Children

Children :)

Our children are such blessings from the Lord.  Each one has a beautiful gift and personality.  They are wonderful as they are special.

Do you spend time with your children?

Do you take time each day to make sure your child(ren) know they are important to you and mean so much to you?  Do you *SHOW* them how much you love them?

What are some of the ways you do this?

Read more...

All skirts? Headcoverings? Annointing Oil?

Do you wear all skirts?  What about a head covering?

Let's start with skirts, shall we?  I have gone back and forth through the years of "all skirts" and times of not.  I want to follow God and do ONLY HIS WILL.  What are your thoughts?  What are your thoughts based on?  I tend to lean to "all skirts" but my husband does not believe this and we have 4 daughters that I am not allowed to put in all skirts/ dresses.  That always discourages me.  I also have family who make fun of me and tell me I look fat in the skirts.  Please, share with me.  Also, please share any tips.

Headcoverings...  I have many.  My husband loves for me to wear them.  He doesn't feel the need for our daughters to wear them.  He has, at times, had me put head coverings on all of us when there have been people around or going to be people in our home that we feel bring about bad spirits.  This hasn't happened while living back home, however.  Mainly it was when we lived in Florida next door to a lady and her daughter that I was trying to encourage in the Lord that considered themselves witches.  Please share your ideas and again, any tips you may have.

Annointing oil.  I fully believe in using it.  I need to find more scripture to back that up.  I have some in my purse, even.  Your thoughts?

Read more...

Pondering about life at home..

Today I have been pondering about life at home and being a homemaker.  I haven't had an "AHA!" moment but I have been considering something.  We know, as wives and mothers, the many things we need and should do.  I was thinking of housework in particular.  There are things you must do.  You can let a lot get away and raise your family in a pig sty (yes, I've been there) but even then there are things you can't escape doing such as dishes, laundry and some type of food preparation.  I became a Mom at 17 years old.  Yes, I know, too young.  I have learned many lessons since then.  I have learned to go above just doing what "HAS" to be done to what needs and should be done.

My thoughts are that we should truly slow down, stop rushing each day away and enjoy the things we do.  Why not?  They need and should be done so why not teach yourself to enjoy the process and the finished product, not to mention the gift it is to your family.  I no longer rush around like crazy to get everything done in a hurry.  I enjoy the process as I go at my own pace, taking breaks, including my children in fun things as well as helping with the things that should be done.  They love to work beside me.  They find JOY in what we are doing and they delight with me in the final moment of completion of whatever we have been working on.  Also, their help truly helps me, teaches them how to do things for one day in their own homes AND allows us to spend even more time together.

It's a win - win situation.  :)

Please, let me encourage you today.  Stop, relax and enjoy what you are doing in your homes.  You'll find yourself going a step further, doing an even better job, not feeling exhausted and bitter, AND finding great delight in the work you have done or the work you have done with your children helping along side you.

Read more...

Mommy being Home

When Mommy is home it seems everything goes much more smoothly and everyone is happy!  Including Mommy!

I am slowing down on my going places because it will save our gas and I need to be here to get things done and be with my children.  I've always been a people person and loved to go visiting and do stuff like that.  I love spending time with my friend, Leslie, and she enjoys it too.  We've been doing a little routine where I go to her house once during her time off and she comes to mine on one of the days.  This is great because we can hang out or help each other or whatever we decide to do.  Yet, it leaves me time to be at home to do the things that I am needed here for.  My kids are much happier as is my sweet hubby.  My house looks nice and each day it just gets better and better as well as maintained.  I enjoy it and it passes a lovely day.

My darling husband is fearful that I will get weary and not keep doing all that I am doing but I am trusting the Lord to keep my heart where it needs to be - at home and on my family.  I hope as he sees me continue without going so much that his trust and dependence on me continues to grow.  We have been so happy working together.  He's been working on his computer doing college and I've been cleaning, maintaining and running the household.  If I were away from home, it would leave everything on him and he would not be able to get many things done.

Home, husbands and children need mother's touch.  Whether it's kissing a boo boo, helping answer questions in homeschool or the touch that I put on our home.  Mommy really does set the tone of the home as my husband says.

My children have loved me being home and I am here most of the time now, putting away at doing my work, helping them, cooking, and all the things that need to be done at home and with my sweet family.  The Lord chose me for my husband, children and home.  So, again I must be here to fulfill that ministry God has placed me in.

I have agreed to take on one thing out of our home and that is to start helping on Wednesday nights with Team Kids at Church.  My girls have been going for quite some time.  It's from 6:30 til 8 PM.  I felt this was something I could do that would not put too much on my plate and would be yet another ministry and example to my children.

I hope you find encouragement here.  I am learning as I go!

Blessings!

Read more...

Our time: Moms, do we?

Do we as mothers take the time out each day to know our children?

Do we spend time with them:  meeting their needs, playing with them, making sure they KNOW they are loved and that they are such a blessing to you?

What are some ways that we can show our children we love them?  Please add your ideas in the comments section.  We all have different ideas and could share and learn from each other.

What about a good breakfast that's healthy, not thrown together, to nourish them?  Do we pray with them in the morning?  Do we start their day out with their focus on God?  We should ourselves, so shouldn't we start our childrens' day like this?  What if you have to get up a little earlier?  That's okay.  Go to bed earlier or have a quick nap.  Do we get them dressed and their hair combed and teeth brushed?  We do.  We should remind the ones that can do it themselves and make sure it's done.  We should do it as we teach the little ones how to do it themselves.  Do we praise them when we hear them being kind, sharing, or showing love to someone?  Or do we only take the time out to discipline them?  Do we show them open arms or do we tell them to "go in there" getting them out of the way?  Out of our way, REALLY?  That's sad.  I am with my children and they are with me and it is a blessing no matter what I'm doing.  They are simply told to be quiet while I do my quiet time and they understand that.  The little one might not understand yet but she knows it's important what I'm doing.  Do we take time throughout the day to let them help us?  Even my youngest, Hannah Joy finds great joy in helping me and I praise her for her good work.  We are training them to be good wives and mothers and most of all for God's service.  Do we leave our older ones to tend to the younger ones?  I'm not saying to never ask them to help but do we leave them to do all of our work with the littlest?  

Do we make sure their laundry is clean and they can choose or you choose for them clean clothes each day?  Do we take time to really bathe them at night or just hop them in the tub with a washcloth and say get clean.  Yes, the older ones can do this.  The younger ones that can't need our help as mothers.  Do we serve them a warm meal at night?  I'm not saying cook every single night... but a warm meal even if it's a corn dog from the oven and some french fries or green beans?  Do we make sure they are hydrated when they've been out running and playing?  Speaking of playing, do we dress them in such a way that we get angry if they get grass stains or dirt on them from playing?  Should we not have "play clothes" as well as clothes we wear out to places like church or to dinner?  

Do you know their favorite color?  movie?  Do we even know what they are watching and monitor that?  Do we show by example what is good and pure and worth watching or thinking about.  Do we encourage our children in the Lord? 

Do we meet their needs all the way around or do we accept that we're just not going to do "this part or that part" because we are too tired, or dare I say too lazy?  Maybe some moms (esp. new moms) need our encouragement and our wisdom.  Do we share with them so they can know, too, what needs children have?  Do we share how to do it or ways to do it better or more simply?  

I know I want to be a Proverbs 31 woman but I also want to be a Titus 2 woman.  So, I am reaching out not only to share but also to be shared with.  Please leave comments on your ideas or if this encouraged you.

The rewards in heaven are great but also the rewards we see from our children are great.  I want to raise Godly young ladies.  (I have 4 girls)  I know you ladies want to be your best with your boys just as well.  I hope this encourages you.  It encouraged me as I wrote it.

Many Blessings!

Read more...

This spoke to me :) I had to share!

“Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out— but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me. I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true—I can't wait till morning! I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.” Psalm 119:64 MSG

Read more...

I can't allow myself to go through the feelings I'm feeling inside.

We all have others who count on us.

They need us.  They matter more than the feelings we have inside.

We have to make a choice.

We have to realize that if we go down the road of feeling so down and upset or stressed, maybe worry, it affects those we love.

They need our care, our love, OUR BEST.

 They deserve it.

As a mother you especially have to be careful because you don't want to neglect your daily duties and your relationships with your children and husband and most of all GOD.

Even if you feel you can't help it.  You can't; God can.

You have to give those feelings to God and try to move forward in His love, His mercies and His grace.

No matter HOW you feel, no matter how hard it is... it's a CHOICE.

Let me be clear - it's NOT a choice that you feel what you feel.  The CHOICE is found in how you handle it.  Whether you wallow in it or give it to God and keep giving your best.  At the time your best may be not as great as your usual best... but regardless, you must give your best and keep trusting God to pull you through.

The people who you love the most (other than God) count on you and they can't help what you are feeling.  They shouldn't have to bare with you what you are going through.  You may have to rest more or you may have to stay in the Word more... and be in constant prayer, NONSTOP... but you have to do your best to get through it.

You're not alone and you can count on those relationships to be reason to pull it all together.  You're not alone.  God is with you and He cares more than we, as humans, even know HOW to care.

Go to God and stay in prayer, find a friend who cares and can understand that you can talk to, and remember that this, too, shall pass.  It won't last forever.  I know I'm going through a rough time right now but it won't be forever.  There's a light shining at the end of the tunnel where all will be okay again.

Be encouraged.  God is with you.  And so many people, whether you accept it or not, love you and need you.

So do your best.  Keep your chin up.  and ... Keep going.

Read more...

Sometimes I just want to hide away.

There are struggles mounting at this time and sometimes it just makes me want to run and hide away.

I pray to my Father and ask Him to please give me peace about things.  I try to lay my worries at the cross but so often I find myself running back to pick them right back up again.  I pray yet I worry.  It makes no sense.  I DO TRUST GOD.  I trust Him fully.  I guess I think somehow, this time, things will be worse and He will allow us to go through more than I want to bare.  Hiding does nothing because wherever you hide-  you're still there and you're still thinking about that situation or that problem.  You can't run for it, for again, where you run - you're still there.  You can't get away from yourself.

 

You have to Truly trust the Father and give it up to Him because His yoke is light and I'd much rather give Him my worries and take upon His yoke.  What does my worrying do for me?  It makes me miserable, sometimes a stomach ache, sometimes a headache.  It makes me grouchy, less meek and easier to get fussy.  I've got to learn to leave it at the cross and walk away... knowing I've left it where He has it and can take care of it.  His perfectly capable hands, unlike mine who can do little about it.  

 

When we learn to relinquish those things to Him, we also need to pray for peace.  And peace, yes, it will come..

 

It will come gently and cradle you and it will take away your worries.  You just have to keep your faith and keep trusting.

I'm telling this to myself as well.

Read more...

Even a Mother needs her Rest.

Even God rested on the 7th day.

Why do we, as Mommies, sometimes not take the rest we need?

In fact, we ALL need our rest.  Our bodies wear out with all the work we have to do each day even though what we have to do is the work of God and is a blessing.  Children need their rest too.

Don't we get grumpy or feel less than ourselves when we are overtired?  Maybe we'd get more accomplished in the day if we went to bed at a decent hour to get that rest we so need.

So often, we share with each other about the need to get up early - "earlier than our children" so we can have that alone time with the Father.  I think it's great if you can do that.  My children wake up early.  I make myself go to bed at 10:30 every night even when I really want to finish reading some blogs or a book, or watch a movie or am just wide awake and think I might as well sit up.  I make it a priority to go to bed at 10:30.  Usually even on the weekends even tho I can rest a bit later on weekends.  It's a habit I have gotten my body into.  When my rest is interrupted I can surely tell it.

Last night I slept but I didn't feel like I got much sleep.  So, today, along with "female issues" I am feeling over tired, weepy and not able to get done everything I need to.  (mainly because of the female issues causing me much pain)

Do we put our children to bed at a decent hour?  They need their sleep to be happy, easier to please and a joy the next day.  Plus children of a certain age also have school and chores.  I homeschool my girls but they still have it daily, in the mornings.  And yes, they have chores.  So they need that rest.

Sometimes I think we Moms think we can get just a little more done if we stay up, or we can have a little more quiet, alone time after the children are in bed, that we can handle less sleep.

I just want to encourage you to replenish your bodies.

If you need to get up even earlier to have your quiet time with the Lord, you may want to go to bed earlier.  Maybe not.  I need a lot of sleep.  I get my quiet time during the day when I stop and tell the children (even my toddler, Hannah) to be quiet while I have my quiet time in the Bible.  They respect that.  I listen to sermons my friend Melissa sent me from her church or I listen to Revive our Hearts or I read.  Either way I have ear plugs in or I go to my bedroom and shut the door, making sure the older girls are keeping an eye on Hannah.

Here is Hannah Joy laying down to rest for movie time on a pallet.

This was not a school night.

They do not get movies unless they are watched before bedtime except on the weekends sometimes.

Here's Sarah Faith doing the same thing. :)

...and of course Miss Madi Grace!

I know how important rest is and I can't do all I need to with a joyful heart and gentle spirit if I don't get some rest.

Please let this give you something to think about.  Get your rest.  Sure, absolutely get up earlier to do your quiet time if that is what works best for you, but account that into figuring out your bedtime.

I personally enjoy getting up between 6 and 7 a.m.

So, my bedtime, whether I am up for it or not is 10:30.

I pray God blesses you and speaks to you as you go to Him about this matter.  May you be blessed and see great changes as you get a bit more rest.

Smiles, Cass

Read more...

The love of Creating Home

I am finding the TRUE love of creating HOME.

I've "done the deeds" and kept house... but that's not what I'm talking about here.

I'm talking about a true passion for Creating Home.

Many of us do not have a lot of money to spend on our homes but that's not what matters either.  You can use what you have and make it work.  Plus, a simple look is a very tidy, neat look if you keep it clean.  

I love keeping home for my family.  It makes them feel good to live here, proud to invite friends over and gives all of us a relaxed feeling to be here.  I am enjoying that if company knocked on the door they could view every bit of my house but that's not it either.

Creating Home - is just that.  Making your house into a HOME.  Make it inviting to your family, let them know it's clean and tidy for them to play in and teach them the diligence and self control to put things back when they are done with it.  You can do this guilt free because you are doing your part.  Make it cozy - a place that they can feel warm in their hearts.  One thing I think that adds to that is having pictures around of them and loved ones.  We keep a throw blanket that I adore (Thanks Renee!)  on the sofa along with a throw pillow.  If someone is feeling tired or not well, they can lay there peacefully.

Creating home means putting GOD FIRST.  Are you teaching your children scriptures?  If not, I encourage you to help them hide His word in their hearts.  We learn one scripture a week.  I am going to start today memorizing an additional scripture for myself each week.  The more of His word we get into ourselves, the more God can make His home in us.

Creating home is making memories.  Special memories the children will remember and they can be such simple ones.  They love spending time with Mommy.  Bake some muffins together.  Draw together.  Things like that do not cost much money.  The muffins can be eaten for snack or the next morning's breakfast and I'm sure you have some paper on hand to draw.  Sit and tell stories and listen to them tell stories.  We love to sit and sing Amazing Grace together.

Creating home, for me, is much more than just the clean, tidy home you live in - it's what you do there.

I hope this has encouraged you to do more at Creating Home in your and your families lives.

Blessings!
 

Read more...

Looking back...Capturing it....and Now.

Time goes by so quickly.

We blink and our babies are crawling, then walking.

As they get older you blink and they go from being a toddler to becoming a young lady of God.  That is, if you are leading them to Him.  No matter how fast time goes, you are in this moment.

Nothing can take this moment away.  Savor it!

Do you really take time to enjoy your children as individuals?  Do you celebrate who they are?  Do you tell them how precious they are to you?  Do you still get down and play with them?  Do you take into consideration while cooking dinner to make something special now and again for each child that they love?  Do you point it out to them so they know it was made purposefully for them?

Here are my girls last year.  We were living in South Florida.

They look so much younger to me here than they do now as I look at each one!  Time has gone by.  Hannah Joy is barefoot in this picture and I love seeing her little feet.  Look how cute Madi Grace is posing!  Sarah Faith with a precious smile as she has her hair done up in her favorite - pig tails.  Still her favorite.  We were getting ready to go to church and I grabbed this real fast.  I'm so glad I did.

Take those pictures, Mommies!  :)  We joke because I carry my camera in my purse because I always want to catch a pic when I see one to catch!  Sometimes it's a ton of pics...  Lately, I have fallen down on taking as many pictures but tonight looking through old pictures, I'm encouraged to keep taking many.

I hope to encourage you to savor the moments!

Read more...

Peace that surpasses Understanding - The Blessing.

We are to have peace that surpasses understanding.

It is such a blessing because we can have peace just in trusting Jesus for all our needs, our futures, and everything in the present.

We can cast our cares on Him and not look back.

Is He already aware of our cares? YES!

However, through prayer, we are to give those concerns or worries over to Him.  He is in charge of the world that He created so He can definitely take on our burdens and we can take on His peace that He has given to us that is such a huge blessing!

I hope that every day of my life I sing His praises and cast my cares upon Him who is more than capable instead of carrying them in worry in my hands and on my mind because I can do nothing to change them.  I hope that when the time comes that I DO try to take things in my own hands that God will gently remind me where they belong.

May God bless you and your family and me and mine as we daily start afresh and cast our worries upon Him.

As my friend, Melissa, said - His yoke is much easier to carry.

That's Biblical - I've read it myself.

Praises to God!

Read more...

Be Transformed.

Today at church, our sermon was about being transformed.

Being transformed as we are first saved, then growing, then down the line having Christ at heart at most all times... being Christ centered.  We want our hearts and our bodies and minds to be reformed, transformed to be more Christ like.

Something I've been realizing is that I work for the package so hard.  I try to do and say and live all the things that would glorify God but I often do not ask God to help me in doing this.  I often do not invite Him to help me do this.  I feel I should do it because I am a Christian.  I should do it - but I have to remember to invite God to be part of it and tho I ask Him to lead me... so often I focus on the ways of the Lord instead of the Lord.  Clear as mud?

I guess I am just realizing that I can't do it all on my own, I need to ask the Saviour to do it through me and help me.

With love,
 

Read more...

His mercies begin afresh each day.

Lamentations 3:23

"Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day."

 

Praise God for this!  Right?  :)  No matter how today goes... tomorrow is a brand new day.

 

Some days are hard and you just plain can't do it all.  You try but you are human and nothing is ever going to be just perfect.

 

Sometimes it goes to a point you feel like a failure.  You wonder, "have I messed things up so badly that it can't be turned around?"

 

All of our answers are in God's word!

 

His mercies begin afresh each day.

 

So, when you are struggling and you go to bed that night thinking of all you wish you had done differently, remember, tomorrow you get the chance to start all the way over, brand new!

 

Where else in life can you find that?  No where that I know of!

 

God loves us so much that He wants to forgive our sins.  He waits patiently for us to come to Him and repent.  He doesn't make us go for days or weeks on end in misery.  No.  Each and every day is a new start.

 

I have seen on a commercial, I believe, where they talk about a "re-do button."

 

That's basically what God has given us... the opportunity to start again.

 

As time goes by and we keep turning to Him and having each day anew, we will begin to walk in the Spirit and we will build our faith through going through these times.  Our habits and routines of doing things the way God intended will come more often.  We will see ourselves become a new creature.

 

So, no matter how today has gone, or how this week has gone, just remember:  Tomorrow is a new day.  God's word is never void and He gives us the gift of having each day anew.

 

What a wonderful gift, one we should thank Him for daily!

Blessings!

Read more...

Scripture Idea - it's Awesome!!!

I am still reading "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God"

Out of just two pages, I pulled some scriptures and decided to put them up around the house.  I printed them, cut them out and put them on one piece of scrapbook paper.  (cheap!)

Then, I put them in areas where I struggle and need them the most.

One I forgot to take a pic of says, "Pray in "droplets" of the day".

I put it above the washer & dryer.

Some are in my kitchen where I need to learn to serve better and one is even in my bathroom to remind me and help me remember!

Here's what they say & look like:

I added this one where the girls can see when loading and unloading the dishwasher while they are helping clean the kitchen.

It's good for me but good for them too. 

They have it memorized but it's good to be reminded!  :)

I know these will be helpful to me and my girls!

I hope it gives you some ideas too!

Please share if it does... or share what you do, please.

I really encourage you to read this book!  It's so amazing!

Read more...

For all Mommies :)

This is to every Mother out there :)

Our children are our children forever, even when they are grown.

It's never to late to start making memories and making them feel special.

My post is more about Mommies that have children at home but please know that it is *never* EVER too late to start.

You have your child at home and near you for only a short time in their lives.  During that time, it's so important we make a difference.

How can we make a difference that will matter?

Every little thing counts.  Period.  It does.

When you wake them up with a smile, watch them smile back.

When you fix them a delicious, healthy breakfast, even if it is a quick breakfast like biscuits or toast - you show them you care.

When you hold them, no matter the age, (yes I still hold my 10 year old who is almost as tall as me, likes about an inch and a half) you show them love and warmth.  You show them how much you care.

When you sit and listen to them, you make them feel important, you show that what they have to say is important.  It won't hurt to stop whatever you are doing for a few moments to see what your child is saying to you.  "Just a minute" and putting them off, well, there's no reason to unless what you are doing is where you CAN NOT stop.

Then, if you say, "I'm doing _____ and the minute I'm done, I'm all yours."  You show you care, you show them you love them, you show them they deserve your attention.  You show them they are so important and that you want to hear them, know them, hear their hearts.

Okay.. I'm back.  I just needed to stop this post to change a diaper!

LoL!!!  :)

When you do something with your child, may it be read to him or her, do a special craft, or ask them about things that matter to them.. you are making memories, lifetime memories!

When you teach them of the Lord, day and night, you are creating a foundation that the Lord can use and you are obeying God, while at the same time giving your child the gift of Godly inheritance.

You are blessing them, but you are also blessing yourself and showing God how important He is!

Let me share something from my growing up years.

My Mom and Dad were so in love.

Yes, it made me gaggg at the time, LoL!

But, it's beautiful memories to think of them snuggling on the couch watching a movie.  It's good memories of Daddy smacking Mama on the hiney as she walked past him.  There are so many more.

Loving your husband will give your child good memories *AND* a foundation on which they can know a good marriage in their own lives when the time comes.  They can see that marriage is good!  Your child seeing Mommy and Daddy loving each other makes them feel secure and shows them their home is stable and happy!

Taking your child outside in the fresh air, pointing out the beautiful things our Lord has made for us helps your child to see beauty in all things.. it gives them a sense of looking for God's beauty all the time.

You watch, it will bring joy to your heart also!

 Get together with other Moms and their children.
Let the kids have fun and play and make friends.

During the mean time you and the other Mommy can visit and talk and encourage each other and you can learn things from each other.

Jump on the web and look up things you can do with your child.

You can find frugal things to do with them if need be.

(and yes, at certain times, I think we all need some things to be frugal)  Then there are times you can splurge on a little something extra to do with them that is fun for all!

Go to the library and find books you can read to your precious child, or fine some at home and make a stack to read.  How fun is a story read by Mommy!  :)  You're spending time with them, helping them to love books and even helping them to learn to read if they are following along.  If you have an older child, let him or her read the story outloud sometimes.  They will be learning and practicing reading while spending time with their siblings and/or Mommy and they will not even realize they are learning because it is a fun time.

Teach them the things they will need to know as they grow up.

Maybe Daddy can show his son or daughter how to change a tire, how to check the oil in the vehicle, how to jump off a vehicle, how to shoot a gun or build something together.  Even Mommy can teach that if Daddy isn't willing to do so.

Mommy, teach them how to wash their laundry, how to do dishes, how to cook a meal.  Let them see you doing your daily work and teach them as you go.  Children love to help!  (even little ones!)  My girls are learning how to take care of the kitchen and doing laundry.  They need my guidance and sometimes my help but they are learning and they are learning with a happy heart.

One of the best things I want to share with my children, is JOY!

I want to find JOY in all the things that we do.  I want to find JOY in the mundane.  I want to share that JOY with my children.  I want to create in them and myself (with God leading our hearts) to be joyful in all things.  When things are tough, talk to your children about the many blessings you have.  Share your joy in whatever you do, in whatever you say, speak and live JOYfulness!  Build that deep into them.  Whether you know it or not, you are *already* teaching your child by example.  Let that example be a blessing.  Let it be something they can hold onto and use positively in their lives with Jesus, our Lord, every day for all their lives!  :)

When you are able to, participate in the church and show the children giving.  Give with your time, give with your money, participate in giving whatever they are working towards.  For example, right now, we will be donating coats for the coat drive and we will be taking in lunch box foods as they do a drive for that.

The girls are excited about it and I am too!

Talk about what that blessing means.  Share with them the impact that it will have.  In my example, we will be sharing about how the coats will help make someone warm during this cold winter.  We can share about the lunch box fixings and how a child will have a yummy lunch from the things they pick out at the grocery store to give.  Let them give with their money also if they want and have some.  I am going to let my girls choose one item a piece that I purchase for the lunch box drive.  Then, with my suggestions, we will be getting other things as well.

I'm no perfect mother, I confess that here and now.

But.  I TRY.  And I am always wanting to improve.

My children do not have perfect lives and neither do my hubby and I.  We fall short thus the reason we need The Father.  The biggest thing is get back up, dust yourself off, and go at it again.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Keep going!

Give it to God, Cry out for His Help!

Ask your child what makes them feel special and use that as a beginning if you need one.

Do everything you do with a joyful heart, as best as you can, even if you have to remind yourself 100 times a day.

Try not to complain.  Show joy.

You can do this.  We all can.

But we can do *nothing* without God!

Pray that He will lead and guide you and bless you and your children as you keep trying and keep going!

You will be blessed and so will your child and your family.

I hope this is encouraging to you.

If you want to talk about this with me, or want to share with another Mom, post a note in comments or email me.

My email is AThankfulMommy@aol.com

Please be sure to put a note in the subject line so I know it's not spam.  I don't have all the answers but I can help, with God's help!

Many Blessings!

Read more...