1. You are a delight
2. God made you, God loves you, and Jesus wants to be your friend forever
3. Daddy and I love you...no matter what
4. God made you and you are stunningly beautiful
5. Your heart makes my heart smile
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The 5 Things I Tell My Daughter Every Day
As we finish our last snuggles, last kisses, last before bed secrets, last tickles, and last "I love yous," I pray that my 3-year-old daughter will rest in these truths that I wove into the course of our day...
1. You are a delight
2. God made you, God loves you, and Jesus wants to be your friend forever
3. Daddy and I love you...no matter what
4. God made you and you are stunningly beautiful
5. Your heart makes my heart smile
1. You are a delight
2. God made you, God loves you, and Jesus wants to be your friend forever
3. Daddy and I love you...no matter what
4. God made you and you are stunningly beautiful
5. Your heart makes my heart smile
Monday, February 25, 2013
Becoming a True Servant Mother
About a month ago, I found myself the weariest I've ever been in my role as a mother.
Work has taken My Hero away more than ever (not at all by his choice!), my 3 year-old daughter was anchored to the summit of a mountain of defiance, independence, and disobedience, and my 7-month old woke up from each nap at the 30 minute mark and still hadn't slept through the night. Unlike his usual easy-going, content self, he was grumpy and whiny. In light of this, I found myself more than exhausted, joy-less, and in complete survival mode for a few days.
Thanks to my word for 2013 - pray - I have constantly been reminded that my posture needs to be kneeling at the feet of Jesus. Yes, I pray that Addison will embrace guidance and be cheerfully obedient. I pray that Levi would peacefully sleep at nap time and throughout the night. But my most important prayer, God, please change me. Despite the ups and downs of these fleeting days, I want to radiate your JOY, PATIENCE, LOVE, and GRACE to my family.
God answered my prayers and I am changed. Because of Him, I have been given a new lens to view my role as a mother and I am FILLED with JOY. Despite a challenging day with a strong-willed toddler or a baby boy who has trouble sleeping, I am overflowing with JOY.
How?
Gift #770 (from my last post): 770. Serving my children all day with no expectations of anything in return (a glimpse into the heart of Jesus, who "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." -Philippians 2:7). The difference: this is not easy for me and my selfish heart screams for recognition and acknowledgement.
As I've transitioned from one to two children, I've realized that my "me time" has drastically declined, especially since Levi isn't a consistent sleeper. I thrive on alone time, but the feeling of entitlement to a few moments to myself each day began to interfere with my heart behind serving my children. If they happened to sleep/have quiet time simultaneously, I didn't view those moments as a gift from God, but something that I deserved. And when I don't have that time (which is most days), I ended up feeling frustrated and the sooner it was bedtime the better.
Jesus was the perfect example of a servant. I wrestled as I thought about His example and how I could reflect that nature to my sweet babies. Mainly, I struggled with my own selfishness and pride - "Not a moment goes by each day where I'm not serving, don't I deserve to be rewarded with some time to myself?"
No. I don't. Grace and mercy. God does not treat us as we deserve, and how thankful I am!!
My role as a mother is to serve, love, and guide my children. Mothers are called to make huge sacrifices as we raise our children. It isn't easy and it isn't glamorous, but saying "yes" to children means saying "no" to many earthly desires while at they same time we say "yes" to making an eternal impact. When I serve them, I serve them out of appreciation and love for Jesus who was the perfect example of a servant. I serve them, expecting nothing in return, because the love I have for them is selfless and pure. Even on those usual days where I am meeting one need to the next and I can hardly catch my breath, let alone sit down for a quiet moment alone, I am filled with joy. I love serving my spunky daughter and my charming son. What a gift it is to be their Mama! What a gift to be home all day with them. What a gift that I have the most influence in their lives right now. What a gift of peace I have about not sending Addison to preschool simply so I can have some time to myself. What a gift of renewed energy and creativity I've been given as I step up to be an even better mother. What a gift the present is as they will be grown much too soon and I'll long for these chaotic days again.
Not long after I finally let go of my selfish desires, My Hero was gone for a week on a "business" trip ("business" and "fire department" usually aren't used in the same sentence!), which was the longest we've been apart in the almost 6 years we've been married. Before, I would have had a very difficult time managing everything around the house and taking care of my little loves while keeping a positive attitude. Even though it was certainly a challenging week with two sick children, I can honestly say that I missed my husband not because of the extra help he gives, but because I missed being with him. I missed his presence. The joy I woke up with and went to bed feeling each night surprised me, but excited me as I was fully present with my children from before the sun went up until after it went down. Why did I cling to my own selfish desires for so long? I had been missing so much! Was I tired? Oh yes! Exhausted, but that's when Nehemiah 8:10 came to mind, "the joy of the Lord is [my] strength."
And do you know what? Two days in a row Levi took a 3 hour nap!!! Even better than that, I thanked God for that unexpected gift instead of having an attitude of "finally!"
***********************************
And for a laugh...his cheesy, camera smile....
Now a few not-as-funny but still oh-so-sweet faces...
Work has taken My Hero away more than ever (not at all by his choice!), my 3 year-old daughter was anchored to the summit of a mountain of defiance, independence, and disobedience, and my 7-month old woke up from each nap at the 30 minute mark and still hadn't slept through the night. Unlike his usual easy-going, content self, he was grumpy and whiny. In light of this, I found myself more than exhausted, joy-less, and in complete survival mode for a few days.
Thanks to my word for 2013 - pray - I have constantly been reminded that my posture needs to be kneeling at the feet of Jesus. Yes, I pray that Addison will embrace guidance and be cheerfully obedient. I pray that Levi would peacefully sleep at nap time and throughout the night. But my most important prayer, God, please change me. Despite the ups and downs of these fleeting days, I want to radiate your JOY, PATIENCE, LOVE, and GRACE to my family.
God answered my prayers and I am changed. Because of Him, I have been given a new lens to view my role as a mother and I am FILLED with JOY. Despite a challenging day with a strong-willed toddler or a baby boy who has trouble sleeping, I am overflowing with JOY.
How?
Gift #770 (from my last post): 770. Serving my children all day with no expectations of anything in return (a glimpse into the heart of Jesus, who "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." -Philippians 2:7). The difference: this is not easy for me and my selfish heart screams for recognition and acknowledgement.
As I've transitioned from one to two children, I've realized that my "me time" has drastically declined, especially since Levi isn't a consistent sleeper. I thrive on alone time, but the feeling of entitlement to a few moments to myself each day began to interfere with my heart behind serving my children. If they happened to sleep/have quiet time simultaneously, I didn't view those moments as a gift from God, but something that I deserved. And when I don't have that time (which is most days), I ended up feeling frustrated and the sooner it was bedtime the better.
Jesus was the perfect example of a servant. I wrestled as I thought about His example and how I could reflect that nature to my sweet babies. Mainly, I struggled with my own selfishness and pride - "Not a moment goes by each day where I'm not serving, don't I deserve to be rewarded with some time to myself?"
No. I don't. Grace and mercy. God does not treat us as we deserve, and how thankful I am!!
My role as a mother is to serve, love, and guide my children. Mothers are called to make huge sacrifices as we raise our children. It isn't easy and it isn't glamorous, but saying "yes" to children means saying "no" to many earthly desires while at they same time we say "yes" to making an eternal impact. When I serve them, I serve them out of appreciation and love for Jesus who was the perfect example of a servant. I serve them, expecting nothing in return, because the love I have for them is selfless and pure. Even on those usual days where I am meeting one need to the next and I can hardly catch my breath, let alone sit down for a quiet moment alone, I am filled with joy. I love serving my spunky daughter and my charming son. What a gift it is to be their Mama! What a gift to be home all day with them. What a gift that I have the most influence in their lives right now. What a gift of peace I have about not sending Addison to preschool simply so I can have some time to myself. What a gift of renewed energy and creativity I've been given as I step up to be an even better mother. What a gift the present is as they will be grown much too soon and I'll long for these chaotic days again.
Not long after I finally let go of my selfish desires, My Hero was gone for a week on a "business" trip ("business" and "fire department" usually aren't used in the same sentence!), which was the longest we've been apart in the almost 6 years we've been married. Before, I would have had a very difficult time managing everything around the house and taking care of my little loves while keeping a positive attitude. Even though it was certainly a challenging week with two sick children, I can honestly say that I missed my husband not because of the extra help he gives, but because I missed being with him. I missed his presence. The joy I woke up with and went to bed feeling each night surprised me, but excited me as I was fully present with my children from before the sun went up until after it went down. Why did I cling to my own selfish desires for so long? I had been missing so much! Was I tired? Oh yes! Exhausted, but that's when Nehemiah 8:10 came to mind, "the joy of the Lord is [my] strength."
And do you know what? Two days in a row Levi took a 3 hour nap!!! Even better than that, I thanked God for that unexpected gift instead of having an attitude of "finally!"
***********************************
And for a laugh...his cheesy, camera smile....
Now a few not-as-funny but still oh-so-sweet faces...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Counting
758. Thoughts from church...Grace opens the heart to truth.
759. Three years with our little girl...what a gift!
760. Weary, frustrated tears after an unusually challenging day alone with the children. A reminder that I cannot, but "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:13
761. 60 degrees, sunny, and an entire day with my little family
762. His sparkly, blue eyes that twinkle even on the rainiest days
763. My daughter's example of complete forgiveness after she was wronged
764. My husband's strength perfectly entwined with his gentleness
765. Books
766. My baby boy still needing his Mama throughout the night - must be God's way of giving me more opportunities to exercise my word for 2013 all day and night.
767. Words of Ann Voskamp- Prayer is more important than breathing because souls are more important than life.
768. The tension between valuing the earthly over the eternal - I am slowly allowing God to erase my desire for the things the world places as important/essential. All I need is Him and to be able to close my eyes at night knowing my day made an eternal difference.
769. Letting go of feeling like I deserve quiet, alone time at some point each day. I don't deserve anything.
770. Serving my children all day with no expectations of anything in return (a glimpse into the heart of Jesus, who "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." -Philippians 2:7) The difference: this is not easy for me and my selfish heart screams for recognition and acknowledgement.
771. The joy of giving my copy of One Thousand Gifts to a new friend after she said, "You are the third person who has recommended that book to me!" Excited to hear how God uses it to change her life!
772. A very special treat - Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n' Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar
773. The love my two little loves share
759. Three years with our little girl...what a gift!
760. Weary, frustrated tears after an unusually challenging day alone with the children. A reminder that I cannot, but "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:13
761. 60 degrees, sunny, and an entire day with my little family
762. His sparkly, blue eyes that twinkle even on the rainiest days
764. My husband's strength perfectly entwined with his gentleness
765. Books
766. My baby boy still needing his Mama throughout the night - must be God's way of giving me more opportunities to exercise my word for 2013 all day and night.
767. Words of Ann Voskamp- Prayer is more important than breathing because souls are more important than life.
768. The tension between valuing the earthly over the eternal - I am slowly allowing God to erase my desire for the things the world places as important/essential. All I need is Him and to be able to close my eyes at night knowing my day made an eternal difference.
769. Letting go of feeling like I deserve quiet, alone time at some point each day. I don't deserve anything.
770. Serving my children all day with no expectations of anything in return (a glimpse into the heart of Jesus, who "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." -Philippians 2:7) The difference: this is not easy for me and my selfish heart screams for recognition and acknowledgement.
771. The joy of giving my copy of One Thousand Gifts to a new friend after she said, "You are the third person who has recommended that book to me!" Excited to hear how God uses it to change her life!
772. A very special treat - Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n' Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar
773. The love my two little loves share
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Bible Verses for Toddlers
It has been a joy to teach Addison Scripture from a very young age. I love how conversations and applications regarding memorized Bible verses flows throughout each day. God's word is brought to life!
Here is a short list of verses that are appropriate for toddlers (I will add to it as we learn more!)...
Matthew 22:37 - "Love the Lord...with all your heart."
1 John 4:8 - "God is love."
Ephesians 6:1 - "Children obey your parents."
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times."
Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God."
Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and loving to each other."
1 Thessalonians 2:13 - "Give thanks to God."
Psalm 85:8 - "I will listen to what God says."
Romans 8:39 - "Nothing can separate us from God's love."
Philippians 4:19 - "My God will meet all your needs."
Judges 6:12 - "The Lord is with you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing [stopping]."
Acts 16:31 - "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
I want these verses to be written on her heart so they are never forgotten. The Bible is living, active, and a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Knowing these truths will be invaluable as she grows up. Here's a simple activity we have been doing to promote long-term memory of these verses (this is after we've spent a few days memorizing the verse)- I have written each verse on a separate index card. Each night she picks an index card. I read it and she repeats the verse. We practice several times. Once she tells me the verse by herself, she chooses a small star sticker and places it on the index card. She loves being able to place a sticker on the card and I love the excitement she has about learning her verses (even if stickers are involved!). :) We talk about the verse throughout the next day and make real-life applications.
Here is a short list of verses that are appropriate for toddlers (I will add to it as we learn more!)...
Matthew 22:37 - "Love the Lord...with all your heart."
1 John 4:8 - "God is love."
Ephesians 6:1 - "Children obey your parents."
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times."
Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God."
Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and loving to each other."
1 Thessalonians 2:13 - "Give thanks to God."
Psalm 85:8 - "I will listen to what God says."
Romans 8:39 - "Nothing can separate us from God's love."
Philippians 4:19 - "My God will meet all your needs."
Judges 6:12 - "The Lord is with you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing [stopping]."
Acts 16:31 - "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."
I want these verses to be written on her heart so they are never forgotten. The Bible is living, active, and a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Knowing these truths will be invaluable as she grows up. Here's a simple activity we have been doing to promote long-term memory of these verses (this is after we've spent a few days memorizing the verse)- I have written each verse on a separate index card. Each night she picks an index card. I read it and she repeats the verse. We practice several times. Once she tells me the verse by herself, she chooses a small star sticker and places it on the index card. She loves being able to place a sticker on the card and I love the excitement she has about learning her verses (even if stickers are involved!). :) We talk about the verse throughout the next day and make real-life applications.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Three Years Old: A Ladybug Picnic Party
This is the first year that Miss A was old enough to choose the theme of her birthday party. Her choice...A Ladybug Picnic! We brought in our little picnic tables in from outside and had a great indoor picnic in January!
Here are a few pictures of her special day. THREE years old!
I found the iron-on ladybug at Hobby Lobby. Her talented Aunt made the adorable ladybug tutu and her boots are from Carters.
These baskets came from the Dollar Tree. Very cute and they made a great place to put the party favors!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Word for 2013
Here we are, just two days away from closing 2012's door and stepping through the threshold to 2013.
For the past few years I have chosen a word to focus on throughout the year...
2011 - be still (here)
2012 - intentional (here and here)
and for 2013.....PRAY.
This year I am certain that God has a lot to teach me about how to pray continually, the purpose of prayer, and the importance of interceding on behalf of others. I want to be intimately connected to the heart of God and I know that prayer is an essential ingredient. I have been anticipating beginning this journey for awhile and I am very excited, to say the least, for 2013!
To begin, I have these books on my bookshelf waiting to be read...
Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
Prayer by Philip Yancey
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
A Passion for Prayer by Vonette Bright
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
I have also installed the "Prayer Notebook - Christian Prayer Journal" app on my phone. This will be a great reminder to pray for people's specific needs at certain times each day.
And finally, I love what Andy Stanley says,
When you pray...
-declare God's greatness
-surrender your will
-acknowledge your dependence for provision, pardon, and protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Do you have a favorite book on prayer that you could recommend?
*Any other insights you have on prayer?
Happy New Year!
For the past few years I have chosen a word to focus on throughout the year...
2011 - be still (here)
2012 - intentional (here and here)
and for 2013.....PRAY.
This year I am certain that God has a lot to teach me about how to pray continually, the purpose of prayer, and the importance of interceding on behalf of others. I want to be intimately connected to the heart of God and I know that prayer is an essential ingredient. I have been anticipating beginning this journey for awhile and I am very excited, to say the least, for 2013!
To begin, I have these books on my bookshelf waiting to be read...
Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
Prayer by Philip Yancey
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
A Passion for Prayer by Vonette Bright
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
I have also installed the "Prayer Notebook - Christian Prayer Journal" app on my phone. This will be a great reminder to pray for people's specific needs at certain times each day.
And finally, I love what Andy Stanley says,
When you pray...
-declare God's greatness
-surrender your will
-acknowledge your dependence for provision, pardon, and protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Do you have a favorite book on prayer that you could recommend?
*Any other insights you have on prayer?
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Another Stocking
This time last year I was busy finishing the final stitches on Addison's stocking. As I mentioned in this post, my Grandma began making these beautiful needlepoint stockings back in 1973. Starting a brand new stocking for our new baby boy brought so much excitement as I imagined how proud my Grandma would have been. Seeing her great-grandson and another stocking would have meant so much to her. What a joy it is to continue this tradition and to remember what an amazing woman my Grandma was!
A HUGE thank you to my mom for getting the stocking started and doing all of the hard work! Now I just have to go back and fill in the backgrounds...as easy as it is, my both-hands-free moments are few and far between these days. I doubt it will be finished by Christmas, but I am going to try!
And the sweet little boy this stocking belongs to. Oh, how he melts my heart...
Counting gifts...
810. A new stocking representing a precious new life that has been entrusted to our family.
811. Honoring my Grandma and remembering her legacy.
A HUGE thank you to my mom for getting the stocking started and doing all of the hard work! Now I just have to go back and fill in the backgrounds...as easy as it is, my both-hands-free moments are few and far between these days. I doubt it will be finished by Christmas, but I am going to try!
And the sweet little boy this stocking belongs to. Oh, how he melts my heart...
Counting gifts...
810. A new stocking representing a precious new life that has been entrusted to our family.
811. Honoring my Grandma and remembering her legacy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)