Parenting and Religion

Sometimes when we know one of our kids has a consequece coming, whether it was their fault or not, we want to interfere. It is our desire to protect them, and keep them from anything that might hurt them, embarrass them, or cause them to be sad, angry or humiliated.
But is it in their best interest that we protect them from consequences?
Not usually. I can’t say never, because there are always exceptions.
As hard as it is to see them face up to a consequence, it is omportant that they learn to take responsibility for their own actions and attitudes.
If they don’t begin to take responsibility for themselves as children, the adults they become will be irrisponsible, blaming all their problems on others, and think everyone is out to get them.
As hard as consequences can be, they are what makes us into honest people, full of integrity and with hearts that are compassionate to others.

Now, any parent can tell of cute or funny things their kids have said or done, but how many keep a record?
I started when my oldest kids were about 4 and 6, keeping a journal type of book, writing down the things they do and say that make me laugh, cry, or say “Why didn’t I think of that??!!”
My kids love to hear stories about when they were little. Even Andy, who is only 5, loves to hear me tell funny things about him.
Yesterday he did a funny that will go in the book.
I took my three youngest boys to our local Walmart. Troy had somemoney, and wanted to buy some sneakers. After he picked out what he wanted, I saw the clearance rack of shoes. I found a pair of brown slip on loafers, almost Andy’s size…a little roomy though. He tried them on and walked around in them, and seemed happy about getting them (and I was happy too…they were only $6.00!).
A while after we got home, he came into my office wearing them, and said “I don’t like these shoes mom, they don’t fit me.”
I said “They’re just a little big, you will grow into them.”
He took them off, headed toward the door, then he turned around and said “I think those might come up missing soon!”
What nerve!
Oh well, at least if they come up missing, I will know why.

I have been noticing more and more often, how short lived cute talking is. My son, Andy (5) has begun saying words the right way, most of the time now. He still has a problem with the ‘L’ sound, but says ‘R’ right almost all the time. In some ways this makes me sad, but I know he would sound awfully funny as an adult if it never happened.
My great nephew, Caleb, says a lot of words with his own little accent and the wrong sounds.
He says his name, Caleb Andrew Elliott, “Cawub Andwew Eowiot”.
He says “I don’t hab baby teef, I hab big boy teef.”
He says “Da Twain is widing fast.”
How cute!!
He reminded me of how fast kids grow up, and how precious it is to hear the messed up words they say.
And how we need to enjoy the innocence and joy they have.
Kids grow up so fast. Enjoy them while they are little.

Our usual tradition fell through this year, but the results were wonderful. What I mean is…I didn’t make dinner or dessert….DAN DID!!!
He made a wonderful, delicious dinner or stuffed shells. I came home from work, and the table was completely set, candles lit, and dinner was ready. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, out came a beautiful, yummy dessert.
(He made all of it himself, with a little help from our three youngest.)
I really enjoyed it, especially the fact that he did it all.
Now, I do enjoy making dinner for my family myself, but I was feeling overwhelmed with the idea of doing all of that, and working from 3-7. I was very thankful when he offered, and even more so when I saw and experienced the results.
Dan is not a cook, but what he does make, he does very well. He learned to make all the dinners he knows how to, by calling someone such as his mom (before she died), or one of his sisters or a sister-in-law. They have given him step by step instructions, and he has surprised me many times with making something I would not expect.
I know I am blessed, and I am thankful.
Now, for the bad part of being so blessed:
with all the hoopla over dinner, dessert, watching a show with the kids, etc… we forgot to hand out Valentines and candy to everyone. SO…today will be another valentines day.
I am sure the kids don’t mind. But when I was putting the kidsto bed last night, I felt bad about it. That is until Andy (5) said, “I forgot to give out my giveaways!”, and he was ready to cry. (I have no idea where he got that word from… but it is cute!)
I told him “I forgot mine too, so I guess we get to do it tomorrow!”
He smiled and said “Ok mom! We can both do our giveaways tomorrow!”
Then I didn’t feel so bad, because I thought it must have worked out that way for his benefit, so he would not feel bad.
All things really do work together for our good, if we love God and are called according to His purposes. (even forgotten giveaways).

Please pray for this family. John is a stay home dad, takes care of three kids while his wife works. He is going through some very serious health issues right now. To read their story, click on the highlighted text.

Tonight a fight broke out in my house. It was over a video game, and ended up with Danny having a bloody lip. An accident according to Troy, who made a fist but didn’t mean to use it.
I was taking a nice relaxing bath, and heard a little of what went on…after the fact.
Joe (21) took charge of the situatio. By the time I came downstairs, he had both boys laughing at how silly the whole thing was, and they told me he made them shake hands and make-up with each other.
I am impressed. My son, the one who liked to fight, made his little brothers make up with each other. And they were willing!
They look up to him so much, that whatever he says must be right. Thank God he said the right things to help them make it right.
I am blessed. Not only did I see one of my kids in action with the others, being a good leader…
I didn’t have to interfere….I was off the hook.
(Until next time anyhow!)
I guess when kids grow up, they will have a few surprises up their sleeves, like Joe does.
He is a peace maker. Who would’ve thought it?

Please take the time to check out this website. It is really important that as many people as possible join this campaign by signing their petition. ParentalRights.org brings together everyone who agrees that the vital role of parents in the lives of children should not be undermined by government action or policy. I’m standing with them and I hope you will too. Visit the site and sign the petition if you agree.

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SO, yesterday was the Presidential Primary in NY state. I voted, and my person did not win NY, but still has a chance.
Why am I talking about it?
Because as a Christian parent, I think it is important that I set an example for my kids in doing what I can to help improve things in America (and the world). I know a lot of people who don’t vote, have never voted, and plan on never voting.
It is their right not to take the right to vote and use it, but what if that right was taken away because so many people don’t use it?
I know, you are probably thinking I am nuts to even consider such a thing.
Well, maybe I am- but there are many countries where there is no right to vote. Then there are a few where it is the law that people must vote- and MUCH pressure to vote a certain way.
I like it here- maybe not as much as I would if every vote counted instead of using delegates- but it is a lot better than not having the option, and better than being forced or coerced to vote a certain way.
So, I will participate. I have even gone as far as allowing political signs to be put in my yard before.
I will even wear the little sticker that says, “I Voted Today!”, proudly.
If it comes right down to two people I am not crazy about in the final election, then I will still vote-
BECAUSE I STILL CAN!

Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday, and like a lot of people, we had a Super Bowl Party. I was mainly there for the party, not the Super Bowl (I am a little football ignorant, but I love people and parties).
I did however learn a little from the Super Bowl.
The last 2 minutes of the game were amazing.
The Giants came back with a touchdown, and won the game.
Lesson Learned: It aint over till it’s over.
Don’t give up with the way things look like they are going. keep fighting for what is right and what you want to happen, no matter how things look.
If the giants looked at the clock, and the little time left, they may have grown dicouraged and not given it their all…..but they looked beyond what appeared to be happening and pressed in for what they wanted to happen. They gave the last two minutes everything they possibly could, and look what they accomplished.
I can use this as encouragement to keep looking at the goal.
Keep your eyes on the prize.
Don’t look at what the world looks like right now, look to what our commission is.
Look to what Christ said to do: Preach the Gospel…..the Good News.
Show people the goodness of God by living lives that lift up the standard He set for us.
Tell of the wonderous things God has done for us.
Expect souls to be saved because time is not up yet.
We are not done until the final buzzer rings.
We may be in the final two minutes, we may not have much time left to accomplish the goal…. but we do have what it takes to keep on going.
We have God on our side, and God always wins in the long run.

super bowl, salvation, lessons, goals, don’t give up

I am so excited!!!
I just received a copy of the book one of my poems is published in, “Chicken Soup For The Soul; A Tribute to Moms”.
I know it is not that big of a deal, but to me it is huge- so I had to share the news.
(And if you go buy a copy, I really won’t mind…lol)