7 posts tagged “parenting”

This morning I was blasted with feces by our newest family member.  Just as I lifted up his bum during a diaper change, a fire hydrant style release came my way.  It nailed me in the chest and ran down the front of me.  It was all over my shirt, jeans, foot and the floor.  The most outrageous diaper event in my mothering history.  A moment that will not soon be forgotten.

The other day, a friend of mine asked me whether the transition from one child to two or two to three was more difficult.  I quickly answered one to two.  Thus far, it had all seemed pretty underwhelming. 

What I didn't realize at the time was that I hadn't actually been left alone with all of them for a very long period of time.  Either Nahshon or my mom had been around to help me the entire time.  So, Monday I considered changing my answer.  The space that was left after the second child filled their share has been partially overtaking by the third.  All I could think was that "this ride is never going to stop."  I just keep reminding myself of my friends with four kids and those folks on TV with dozens. 

I'm not saying that I'm completely overwhelmed.  It is just a new level.  It requires new strategies, planning ahead and being constantly purposeful.  It is like any new season in life.  There is another set of skills to develope, hone and implement.  In these seasons I am always amazed at how well God equips us for what is to come.  And how truly sufficient His grace is.

Liam had his first "it's easier to just give him a bath" diaper overflow.  We were so proud!  LOL!

Is it just me or is it already difficult to put youngens to bed on time?  The sun is still out in full.  It feels like the middle of the day. 

But there are things to be done the next day that require bedtimes to remain.  I feel for those of you who have school age kids and a whole month of week nights left.  That must be fun. :-)

I am so proud of my daughter Sydney!  She is such a giver!  The great thing is that she has so many opportunities to give, because she is part of such a generous church.

The Rock Church is currently in the midst of my favorite season of giving.  Every year we give out school supplies at our local fair's parade, turkey dinners at Thanksgiving and gifts for children at Christmas. 

Last year Sydney wanted to give everything in her hippo bank (it's not a piggy) to purchase Christmas gifts.  She was so excited to bring them to church and put them under the tree.  I even took the opportunity to teach her about getting more for her money when things are on sale :-).  See, she had originally not had enough to get as many gifts as she wanted to.  After encouraging her to pray that God would make a way for her to give more, I told her that one way He does that is by giving us great deals.  She was able to give the number of gifts that were in her heart to give.

Since then, she has had a whole new vision for her finances.  She gladly puts her money into savings, because she knows the bank will give her even more money to give.  So, she was very excited to have $50 in change to put towards school supplies.  We pitched in and purchased all the supplies necessary for 2 kids (including backpacks).  Again, she was able to bring them to the church and put them in the big pile to be given away.

Last Thursday we were able to spend some time helping assemble the bags for distribution.  Then she participated in the parade on Saturday where they were given away.  A full circle of generosity has been etched on her heart.  And now our eyes are set on turkey dinners.  We plan to do some blackberry picking and selling to raise some extra funds.

I share this to say that generosity must be intentionally instilled in our children.  It is important to make them active participants in giving.  It helps them know the heart of God & His desire for them to reach out.  If you are a part of The Rock Church, start raising funds now for Thanksgiving, do a neighborhood drive to gather more donations, take the kids to the store to purchase the meals and definitely have them help you bring the food to the church.  If you don't attend The Rock, there are lots of other opportunities in your community to help others.  The time to start is now, no matter what age they are!  Let's develope great habits in them now that will be automatic later.  Generosity is a must!

Proverbs 16:32 says, "He who is slow to anger is better then the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

This scripture was especially inspiring to me after a great message this last weekend from Denise Mira.  She shared at our church from her book No Ordinary Child.  I was totally pumped!  I felt so affirmed to keep doing what I'm doing, and expect what I'm expecting from my kids.  It was incredible stuff.

Needless to say, I read this scripture with a different perspective this week.  I read it with my son in mind.  Yes, he is only 11 months old, but God has had plans for him before he was in my womb.  So, I better pay attention, expect greatness and pray, pray, pray!

What I felt God speaking to me was to be wary of giving in to the pressure to toughen my boy up.  There is so much hype about boys needing to be able to tackle/fight/hold there own.  But God places a much higher priority on his character.  It is more important to God that Terryn has the fruits of the Spirit (including self-control) operating in his life, than whether or not he can hold the high score on a video game, do the most daring stunt or get the ball across the goal line.

I am not implying that my son should be a woose!  All the things I have listed are things I want him to enjoy doing.  However, it is worth nothing for him to be strong physically, if he has no regard for his behavior or those around him.  There are two great men living in my house.  And though one of them has yet to say many words, I pray his actions will be an oracle to those around him.  God has called him to greater things!

*** Please be sure to read the preceding entry.

I wanted to add that we often get frustrated with the people (not just our children) that we lead for things that they do as a result of being led by us.  We wonder why someone we lead won't ask for help, when we lead in a constantly indestructable mode.  How are they supposed to admit they need help if we are making sure that we don't look like we need help?

Our relationships are another area where our actions can give permission for behavior that we find unacceptable.  Upon review, we find these same annoyances repeatedly performed in our own interactions.

There are so many conflicts that we think are insurmountable.  But the solution lies in "us having a look at us".  This process has often brought me to a place of feeling like I have been so annoying, and nobody said anything.  But it always takes me to a greater level of maturity and confidence.  Ask God to show you areas that could be you and not them.  You might be surprised by how much you grow!