God's Exchange Policy

We bring to Him our needs and burdens, He gives us His best.
There are many things in our lives that result in pressure and anxiety that God can exchange peace for.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

When we trust in the Lord and turn over our concerns to Him, we will have His everlasting Peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

God’s peace is eternal, it lasts longer than any thing that the world can give. Your iPods and TVs, new cars, expensive jewelry and game systems only momentarily give joy and satisfaction. In a few months there will be something better and newer. The joy we receive from worldly gifts and presents is only temporary, where as God’s gift of hope and peace is eternal.

So, you ask how do I not be anxious or stressed about situations? That is easy and simple. Pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

When we give God our hurts, He gives us His healing.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. Psalm 130:1-2

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

All we have to do is turn to God. He will comfort us and take away the hurt if we just let Him. It doesn’t mean that our walk in Christ will not have trials and tribulations. What it means is that the Lord is our strength and He will guide us and lead us in our time of need.

[God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

As God heals our hurt, we will see others going through similar pain. To receive full healing we should help others find the comfort that God has given us and encourage the Lord’s compassion to work through us.

When we give God our grief, God gives us His abundant Joy.

You turned my waiting into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20

By focusing on Jesus He will turn our grief and sense of loss to great and abundant joy.

The angel said unto them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Our ultimate joy is Jesus. While what ever gifts you may receive in this time of giving, none will last as long as the gift that God gave us nearly 2000 years ago. By accepting God’s gift, our lives will be overcome with comfort and joy, as long as we stay in God’s Word and seek His face.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. So that who ever believed in Him would not die but have everlasting life. John 3:16

So God’s gift exchange is quite simple. His gift of eternal life with Him in heaven, or the “gifts” of this world that bring about grief, anxiety and hurt.

Discipline

I know this is sort of an off subject right now. I just know that there are some people out in the world, particularly certain parts of the United States that are having very difficult times based on their decisions on discipline.

First and foremost. I do not condone ANY form of abuse. Regardless if it is verbal, physical, emotional and especially sexual. Abuse is wrong.

There are many reponsibilities that a parent has. Right after making sure that your chlidren's needs are met; food, clothing, place to sleep, roof over their head. There are other needs. Boundries is a big need. Children learn from their parents what is and what is not acceptable. Parents need to form a child's spirit to have a spiritual conscience and to know right from wrong. It is a complete sign of disrespect for a child to hit their parent because they are told no. It is also dissrespect for a child to out right go against what the parent told them to do. Hopefully if you have been blessed with seeing the behaviors as a child is young that need to be corrected, the child will become a responsible teen and then on to a moral and responsible adult that shows respect to others.

The way you go about forming your child's values and morals has to be up to you as a parent. My personal belief is that spanking should be the last resort and even then should be limited. Typically what we do is verbally correct our younger set and then if they continue it's time out. Our girls are older and the stakes are higher for them. We will verbally correct them the first time and then after that, they lose priviliges. The priviliges can be anything from not using the phone or watching TV to not being able to go on the ski trip with the youth group or even the school dance.

You do have to get creative and I do highly suggest that if you choose to use spanking as a tool that you make sure to check on your state law. In some places it is against the law to "strike" a child with anything, anywhere regardless of if there is a mark left. Also when you do use spanking as a tool, you risk the chance of getting mad and spanking out of anger. This is wrong. You should never discipline out of anger. I encourage you that if you have difficult children and you do get upset with them to seek professional help. There are services out there that can help.

Christmas in July

Well, I promised last year that I hoped to be able to have our Christmas merchandise ready by August. I have the ornament ready to go. In fact, I uploaded the image and then I ordered one of this year's and one of last year's. I must say, I really like them. They turned out very well. The Jesus is the Reason ornament is the design from last year and we will continue to have it this year. Just in case anybody would like to order it that didn't get to last year. The A Child is Born is the 2006 ornament. I really like it and I can't wait to put it and last year's on the tree this year in our new house.
God has been so good to us. He has blessed us beyond measure even in the little things.
So, you like the ornaments? Want to see what else we have in our store? Please do visit the Parents For Christ Store.
We are hoping tobe able to get a Christmas book together of sorts by the end of August, the concern there is that more than likely I won't have the time. We will be finishing up the new house and moving in the next month, so I am not sure just how much time I will have. Plus, Just 5 Minutes Daily Devotional will start back August 1. Keep an eye out for us!
God Bless you!


P.S. Don't forget, anything that is purchased from the store will help with the costs of our site. So in addition to getting some pretty nice stuff, you are also helping us keep the site up.

Online Pictures

I just thought I would share with you a service that I used recently. I tried out Shutterfly. I got an 11x14 print and a 16x20 print. Two different pictures. The 11x14 came out beautifully! I had made a collage for Micah's and Benji's godmother with my favorite pictures of them and I loved it so much I almost kept it myself. My 16x20 print came out a little blurry but I really think it was the photo and not anything that Shutterfly did. In fact I emailed customer service and they creditedme for another 16x20 print.

I must say I am impressed and that I will be using them in the future. I have always gotten my 35mm film developed at Walmart but then I have the images put on disc. For me it will be easier to just upload the pictures and then order prints from Shutterfly. Unless Walmart is running a sale, Shutterfly is cheaper too. Not to mention the closest Walmart to me is 16 miles. Evenpaying for shipping it ends up being cheaper than driving.

The banner below will take you to to Shutterfly and for new customers they have a special offer.

Hot, Hot, Hot

Well, I suppose with the temperatures in the bulk of the U.S. being very close, if not over, 100 that we can safely say it is summer. Nice and hot, the grass looks burnt unless we choose to water it. (I don't because that would mean one of us would have to mow it in the heat.) I keep hearing about people being taking to the emergancy room for the heat exhaustion or even dying from the heat. This is a trying time.

I know with us the kids want to go to the lake or play in the sprinklers but Iget a bit leary about it since it is so hot. There are precautions thatcan be taken though.

Handling the Heat:

1. Make sure you and everyone with you drink plenty of fluids. Stay away from caffinated beverages. This includes colas, tea, and several carbonated beverages.
2. Wear light weight and light colored clothing.
3. Make sure to wear sunscreen so not to get burned.
4. If you or your child take medications for anything make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to be in the sun. Several medications can have adverse side-effects if you are in the sun.
5. Do not go outside during the heat of the day. This is typically 2-5pm.
6. Visit your local library. They are typically nice and cool and you can read afew books while you are there.
7. Taking the kiddos to a matinee is good too and several movie theatres have a kids club that does kidsmoviesduring the summer.
8. Trip to a local museum or art gallery. You can learn abit of history while keeping cool.
9. For lunch run by your local fast food resturant that has an indoor playground.
10. Go to a local gym. Some churches and most Y's have a time for open gym where the kids can play and not be in the heat.


So, stay cool and enjoy your family. Remember that there is a season for everything. In 6 months many of us will be missing these high temperatures. Find God's blessings in what is around you. Perhaps He is blessing you by you visiting a library or museum or indoor playground. You never know until you take that step.

We are using this time to getajump on packing. See, we will be moving in about a month and were wondering when we would find thetime to pack. Since I totaled our van, I can't go anywhere really during the day and with it being to hot to be outside very long, we are inside cleaning and packing.

God Bless!

Sadness and Joy

We have had a rather rough week this week. Monday morning we got the call that Jeff's dad passed away suddenly at home. He had been sick, but we were under the impression that he wasn't on his death bed. Paul had an aortic aneryisum that ruptured. The good was that it was fast. The bad was there were vital affairs that were not in order.

Jeff's sister called and asked that we get up there as soon as possible and we started getting things in order. We arranged for my two girls to stay with their dad and then Jeff's two were to stay with my family while we were gone.

On the way to take my two girls to their dad, it was raining. I cam around a sharp turn and lost control of our van. It started to fishtail and all I could do was pray. The van flipped up a hill on the roof and then rolled down landing on the driver's side. Three of the windows had shattered and the windshield was smashed. As soon as I noticed the rear window was broken I looked around and realized I couldn't find one of the girls. She hadn't put her seatbelt on when I told her to, so when we crashed, she was flung around the inside of the van. The blessing is two fold, we had had the playpen in the van and it was near where Britt was sitting. We found the playpen about 15-20 feet away from the van out teh back window. The other was had Brittany been wearing her seat belt it was just a lap belt and when the van flipped it could have broken her back. Brittany had the least injury of only one bruise on her back. Praise the Lord.

Me and Kimmie were both wearing our seatbelts and in the front. At impact the seatbelts let go. Both of us hit the roof and were josseled around. Kimmie's window was one that had shattered. She had a bad headache for awhile, but is okay. I suffered a mild concusion and bumps and bruises.

The point of the whole matter is that God is great! Friends of ours and the emergancy crews that worked the scene were shocked we weren't injured seriously. I gave glory to God from the first moment.

After the wreck we were able to go to the funeral thanks to some godly people that rented a car for us and some money that was donated for the trip. While we were in Ohio we got a few things squared away and know that there will be more to take care of.

The best thing that happened while we were there was teh confirmation of the hope that Jeff's dad was indeed saved. The minister shared how on Sunday, the day before he died, that Jeff's dad drove out to the church and sat in the pew during the service. He had no clue how he got there and had no clue what he was doing there. But he was there and he was glad to be there in the house og the Lord. Bill, the minister went on to say that there is no way he could fathom a man doing that unless he knew the Lord. So while we will not know until we oursleves get to heaven, it gives us the hope.

We have learned to trust in God even more than we already do. He is awesome and he will provide. We are out the family vehicle and will need to look into getting a new one. Unfortunately we only had liability on the van, so everything is out of our pocket. We know that God will providethe means for us to replace our vehicle and we know that it will be in His time.

While the Lord does protect His children, please remember that we should do as the law requires and take care of our health. The Lord will take the foolish man home before the wise man, for the wise man will do His work.

Summer Time Business

Have you ever had dreams of finally being able to relax once school is out and you can just stay home all day if you want to during the summer? Or maybe even having the dreams of being able to clamly and peacefully load the kids up for a picnic lunch and go to the closest park or lake to enjoy some wonderful family time?

I had dreams of that.

Now, half way through our summer break, I am wondering what has happened. We had softball from April until the middle of June. Then there was vacation bible school for a week at the beginning of June. The two younger ones get therapy, Micah speech and Benji occupational therapy every week it seems. Benji's is supposed to be every other week but that changes up depending on schedules. We have also been getting therapy set up for two of our other children and visiting doctors has been quite fun. Then of course catching up on dental visits.

To some this may not seem all that hard, but in our family it's exciting. With 6 beautiful blessings that we have and 2 with illnesses that are ongoing,it can get rather interesting.

Our athletic daughter is the one with asthma. While it is controlled, we have to watch her and make sure she takes her medication and we have her inhaler with her at all times. She hasn't had any major episodes, so we know that the meds are working. It does not mean that we can ignore it though. She just finished softball and cheerleading starts in a couple of weeks.

Benji, our little guy has the heart condition. It is not as severe as some of the other heart children we know, but it is just as scary. He gets cold easy and when he does his lips turn blue. Now what mom doesn't get concerned when her child's lips turn blue while they are playing in the wading pool on a hot day of 95?

The biggest thing we have learned with all of our children and our own lives though is that we are not in control. The awesome thing is that the person that is in control is the best person to be in control and that, is God.

Go through your summer plans and your family activities and remmeber to acknowledge that God is in control. Look for the blessings. They are there!

Training up a Child

Ahhhh.... school is nearly over. We have 3 more days and then summer break. Today our oldest is preforming in the school chorus. She even has a solo! I am very excited for her. Even if she is nervous. This is her first solo performance. She's going to get used to it quick though because in a week or two she has a large part in the church musical too. Then she is in drama camp this year and will be preforming in several nights of the School House Rocks Junior production that our community theatre is doing.

My youngest daughter was on her way towards the All-Star team for softball but I believe that that has come to an end. She sprained her ankle pretty bad Monday night. But we know there is always next year and she should be healed in time for Cheerleading and Basketball this fall and winter.

Don't get me wrong, I am not bragging about the abilities of my children, I am sharing something I "re-learned". See, a few years ago I was studying Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

At first reading or first glance most people think, 'okay, as long as I raise my child in church and around God we got it made.' I don't agree with that. I think that yes, we do need to raise our children in church and where they see God working through us, their parents. I also think that we should guide our children in a way in which they will be productive in society. See, my oldest daughter is not athleticly inclined, but she has a beautiful singing voice. She also like to act, so we are getting her involved in the children's choir at church (this is her last year) and also in the community theatre productions this summer. Our youngest daughter does not enjoy singing, but she loves playing softball and basketball and cheering. So we are doing that for her as our resources allow.

What we are doing with our kids is pointing them in the directions best suited for their abilities. Yes for all 6 of our children God is tops. He is on the top of the list of things to learn about and take to heart. Number 2 is academics, we expect the kids to do their best and to care about doing their best. From there on the rest of the lists are different. The kids that have artistic ability will be nudged in that direction, sports will be nudged there. WE never force the kids to do something they don't want to but we do try to get them to just try it.

So far we are doing pretty good about it and for two of the kids we have found things they are truly interested in.

Life and Death

Jesus then said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?"
(John 11:25-26)


For the past 6 months a family in our church has been having to deal with life and death on a weekly if not daily basis. Their son was born 3 months early back in October. For 3 months their friends, family, church members, and strangers have been praying for them and for their little boy. The battle ended this week. Their son is now alive for the first time.

Although I only knew the family in passing at church, I feel as if I have been in their shoes and that I know them. See, their little boy was born with a heart defect that caused other problems due to the type of defect it was. My youngest has heart defects that have partially been repaired but he does face more surgery unless God preforms a miracle.

What has touched me the most about Avery is his mom and dad. They are so strong. I know they probably don't feel they are, but they are. Any parent that has had to go through what they did and still turn to God is very strong in my book.

I can relate so well to the way this mother described it when she found out she had to let her baby go. The doctors had told them there was nothing else that could have been done, it was finished. So she and her husband decided that they had to let him go. They requested a private room and were able to say good bye. They were able to hold him while his favorite classical music was playing and he was wrapped up in his favorite blue blanket. His last breath on earth was labored, but his first breath in glory was free and full of life.

I cry every time I remember it, every time I think of it. And it touches me so deep to know that we could have been there had God not intervened. I know that God used this precious little boy and his parents to touch all kinds of people. That I believe was this baby's mission in life.

Also seeing the result of this little one's life, I wish and I pray more people will become familiar with congenital heart defects. Over half of all CHDs go undetected until there is an episode. 1 out of 125 children in the US are born with a CHD. Most of the defects are repairable if they are gotten to in time. The key is detection.

I believe that God has a plan for each of us and if it is our time to go so be it, but I also believe that many babies and young people could be saved if more doctors and athletic coaches knew more about CHDs.

I received this in an email

TO REDUCE STRESS THE CHRISTIAN WAY
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain.
Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.)

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)



~~~~ AMEN!

A Clearer Vision

An interesting thing that has happened, it all started when we took my step-daughter to the pediatrician. Aside from some medical issues, she seems to be ok. We found out among other things that she couldn't see. The nurse said at best her vision would be 20/80 and that was if she was lucky.

So, we took her and the other girls to the eye doctor. My step-daughter is indeed vision impaired. She is 20/80 and 20/100. So she now has glasses that she wears full time. Her self-esteem and self-worth have drastically improved. The other two girls simply need reading glasses. It's not that they really need them but one of them her eyes water when she is reading and the other has migraines.

We now have three children that wear glasses.

I was thinking though, in reference to God. The Holy Spirit is like a pair of glasses that make it so we can see God.

Now, my personal belief is that God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one and the same. Jesus is God in the Flesh and the Holy Spirit is God in us. God the Father is The Almighty on High.

What I mean by the Holy Spirit making it so that we can see God is just that. As humans, we can't see God unless He wants us to. Remember when Mary ran up to the gardener when she found the tomb that Jesus was in empty? She didn't know that that was Jesus until he called her by her name. (John 20:10-18)

Do you need your vision checked?

Family Values Cinema

Hello! I apologize for our long hiatus. Life tends to get hectic in the Spring, especially with 6 blessings.

I am stopping in today to let everybody know about a movie club I found. It looks great! I have just joined it last night and I haven't gotten my DVDs yet but I am excited.

Have you ever gone to the movie rental store or website and just couldn't find anything that the whole family could watch? We have that problem. Either the older kids can watch it and the younger ones can't or the younger ones can watch it and the older ones just aren't interested. Or it's suppose to be family night and mom and dad just aren't interested in the movie that was picked out. On the same lines, it's really hard to find a friendly movie. Even the rated G movies and PG movies that are billed as Family Friendly have inuendo that "appeals" to the adult audience. What ever happened to good movies that the entire family can watch without having to worry if the kids caught on to the inuendo or even movies that don't go against morals?

I see alot of promise in the Family Values Cinema, the first two movies I will be getting are Where the Red Fern Grows and Pit Pony. Yes, these movies are older, but they have stood the test of time. The first two movies are sent to you for free, all you have to do is pay $1.95 shipping. You can cancel at anytime and if you continue the subscription it's $19.95 plus shipping a month. Every order you get two movies that you keep along with a family guide to help with family discussions.

Aside from the family movies, I am excited about the family guides. I have two children that have a hard time with reading comprehension and I see the guides as a way to open that door. Get them to talk about the movies and what they think about it, they should be more open to discussing books and understanding them too.

I encourage you to try Family Values Cinema, you can cancel it after the first month or any time thereafter. Try it and see how it suits your family!

God's Grace

You know, as hard as it is being a mom to six blessings and keeping schedules straight and hoping you don't forget anybody, I still find a great peace in Amazing Grace. I thought I would share the song with you.

Amazing Grace Lyrics

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.”

Claiming Scripture

I had a reminder this morning about a lesson I had learned long ago. It's about claiming scripture for your children, or even for yourself. The Bible is full of promises that God has given us and we are to claim them.

This morning I had the reminder because my mom had come over to watch the boys and Allie while I took Kimmie and Brittany to church for their Spring Break Camp. While we were talking she told me she had to share something.

Mom told me to grab my Bible and look up Acts 3:7-8. Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

See, my little Benji, he's our youngest, has a couple developmental issues. He was born with 3 Congenital Heart Defects, and it appears that because of that, there is some nerve problems. He has flat feet and bowed legs with a hyper-reflex in his right foot.

When Mom had read the scripture during her Bible Study she broke down in tears and claimed that for little Benji, as do I.

This reminded me though of how we should claim scripture for our children and families.

Last school year, Kimmie was having a really hard time in school and I was talking to a friend of mine that homeschools. She had said she was having a hard time with teaching her children until she read in Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

This year Kimmie is making Cs and Bs, which is an improvement and she is actually enjoying school. I still claim the scripture for her. God will give her the knowledge and understanding.

When Allie first came to live with us she was constantly afraid somebody was going to get her, Psalms 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

She still has some fear, but she is alot more peaceful now. She actually relaxes now and is adjusting well.


While we have only claimed scripture in times of need, I am challenging myself over the next month to find scripture for our family and each of the children. I encourage you to do the same. Feel free to share too!

Confession Time

I have a confession to make. It's rather difficult for me to do, see I like to think of myself being better than I really am. I suppose we all do though.

I remember being without children and at the grocery store or discount store and swaring I would never let my children run up and down the ilse screaming and crying. I even swore my children would be perfect little angels that never back talked and always did as they were told when told.

I also remember saying that my children would have high self esteem and be great in everything they did. I had even said that they would never do anything that would cause me to not like them.

Truth be known? I try to contain my kids when we go to a store, but let's face it I have 6. Even if me and Jeff split them up and one of us stay home it's still 3, it can cause some funny situations. Micah if he manages to convince us that he will walk with the cart and stay with us, quickly turns into the disappearing child. Josh like to swing his arms around and has knocked down countless things, we tend to keep him in the cart from the get go. Benji is so cute he has gotten to where he will ride in the cart until he sees something or is just tired of sitting... Then he like to 'cart surf', he will stand up in the seating area and turn to the back of the cart holding on to the back of the seat. I don't think you should let your little one do it, even if it is fun. They can fall and get hurt pretty badly.

I do have children that I am having to request of them to stay with me, or to calm down, or even not to touch. My children get excited when they go to our neighborhood discount store. All of them, form the 1yo to the 11yo.

Two of our girls have low self-esteem. They don't think they are pretty and they don't like to take care of themselves. We are always after them to brush their hair and teeth. Then the 3rd girl is a prissy. It is so wild to see the differences in them.

I suppose my confession is that, I am not a perfect mother. I do get angry with my children sometimes. But no matter what I love them and I am going to take care of them.

Taking care of your children is so much more than making sure they have a roof over their head and clothes on their back. Just as they need food in their tummies, they need to be fed spiritually. Our children need to know God. They need to have the Word of God in their hearts.

The First Family

After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"


"Don't what?" Adam replied.


"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.


"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"


"No Way!"


"Yes way!"


"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.


"Why"


"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was angry! "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.


"Uh huh," Adam replied.


"Then why did you?" said the Father.


"I don't know," said Eve.


"She started it!" Adam said


"Did not!"


"Did too!"


"DID NOT!"


Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.





BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY! If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?

Love Languages

I have been looking for something for me to write about that will do two things, the first help me to be a better parent and the second to share with you what I have learned.

Three years ago when Jeff and I were looking forward to being married, one of the books our pastor suggested us to read was The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We did and we learned quite abit about each other. Not long after that I picked up The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, M.D. I haven't really read it at all. It's one of those I will read it when I have time books.

Well, as I was having a difficult time loving our 4year old this morning, I sat down and was enjoying some quiet time when I was glancing at the book shelf. There sitting with a bit of dust on it was The Five Love Languages of Children. So, I am going to try and read it and learn how to love dear sweet Josh. He has had a hard time in his young life, and now I want to make it easier for him. He seems to be a child that has gotten over looked. He wants attention but doesn't know how to get it. When he does get it, it is so foriegn to him he don't know how to react.

I will start sharing my thoughts tomorrow and then for however long. I think I will go chapter by chapter. Do join me and share your thoughts also.

The Five Love Languages of Children By Gary Chapman / Moody Publishers Are you expressing your love in a way your child understands? Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell help you discover your child's unique communication style, so you can better meet his or her deepest emotional needs. From quality time to physical touch, these five "love languages" hold the key to your child's development and success.

Today is National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day

Please take this time to think about Heart Defects, it occurs in 1 out of 125 births. It can as simple as a self correcting hole to a defect that requires a heart transplant to a defect that ends in death. If you have kids or know people with kids make sure they are aware. Some defects go years without presenting.

Trying to get back into the swing

Seems the new year has gotten to me. We were doing good, being more consistant with things and then I was sick for about a week. Now we just gotta get right back in there. *smiles*

I would like to welcome those that are reading the blog. Nice to meet you! I hope you enjoy and feel free to comment on anything you see. Or even just say hi!

Right now we are focusing on behavior modification. LOL... Mostly mine. Do you realize how hard it is to get going once you have been out of it for some time? The last year has been a bit busy for me in the fact of I went from working full time and just doing what it took to give the kids a little bit of attention and eating and sleeping to being a full fledged stay at home mom. Over the past year we had the scary times that we had no choice but to rely on God when Benji was born and it was found he had his heart defects, to trying to establish me being a stay at home mom with all of our kids. Micah had to learn what it was like to have to answer to Momma instead of Nana. Then both Josh and Allie have had to learn that there is a Mom at home, which they were not used to. Kimmie was happy with the change, she remembered her kindergarden year when I was a SAHM and more than happy to volunteer at school only having Brittany to tow behind.

Things have changed and yet, I am still finding myself asking the same questions, am I rasing my children the best way I can so that they love God and they will follow the teachings of the Bible?

God's Blessings

First off I apologize for not staying on top of things with this journal. I have been greatly blessed the past few weeks and I have had a hard time keeping up.

After battling a ear infection and the crud, I had to help the little ones get over it too. But, God has been faithful. My husband took time off when I was sick in bed and although it was unpaid, we will be getting our needs met anyway.

I have decided that this year I will look at the way we have been blessed rather than how we have been cursed. To start off, I wuold like to share some good news.

Little Benji had his cardiologist visit on the 24th and he is doing well. There was no change in the thickening of his aortic valve, and his blood pressure was closer together. He has a differential between his right arm and his legs. They can't take his blood pressure in his left arm because of the surgery. Benji's Pictures

Another blessing is that we had taken Josh, out 4yo, to the doctor for a sweat test, his pediatricain was afraid he had cystic fibrosis because he is SO small. The test came back negative. So praise God for that.

God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.

All because of Christianity

An interesting thing we discussed in Sunday School this morning. Did you know that prior to the existance of Christianity, women were looked at as things? It was Jesus Christ that taught all men and women are created equal.

Jesus taught that women were to be respected and honored just as men are.

Interesting....

I think I am going to delve just a bit more into this tomorrow with the scripture and some more of my thoughts.

A Touch of Inspiration

Let it go for 2006 ...by T. D. Jakes


If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to ..
LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ...
LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...
LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you ...
LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge ..
LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction ...
LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents ..
LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude...
LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...
LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...
LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship....
LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves..
LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ....
LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to...
LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past.
Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2006 !!!
LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then
LET IT GO!!!

Life in the New Year

Happy Belated New Year! I apologize for being away fro the last couple weeks. Things with the family were busy over the Christmas holiday break and we are finally getting back to routine.

As we have come into a new year it is a remarkable time. Everything is new, it's a new year to start new things, or to finish things forgotten.

I was chatting with some friends the other day and the new year resolution tradition came up and dropped like a lead balloon when one of my friends commented, "I don't make resolutions because I know I will break them. Instead I make goals."

I was grateful somebody else besides me has the same trouble with resolutions. You sit there and say you'll lose weight, get in shape, start a budget, spend more time with the family, etc... and by March you have forgotten all about them. So, this year I am making goals. And on top of that, I am making Godly goals.

My first goal is to grow in Christ. Get closer to Him and let Him shine through my entire life. This is where I have made mistakes in the past. See, I like to jump in and then ask God if I am on the right track. My goal is to not do that this year. I want to be strong in Christ and be able to show all six of my children His awesome love.

My second goal is to get in shape and slim down. Part of getting closer to God is not having any addictions. Well, I have two major addictions. I am almost ashamed to admit it... I, Faith Johnson, am addicted to... to food and sitting around doing nothing. I know, shocking. In letting those addictions get to me and take over I am not following God's will. See as a Christian, my body is a temple of God. So, if I am cramming cookies and excess food in my mouth, I am filling God's temple with junk, then on top of that, I am just sitting around not exercising to get rid of it.

My third goal for the year is to be more family oriented. Sounds odd for a stay at home mom to say that huh? It's a problem I have though. I let getting things straightened up take precedence over spending quality time with the kids. I haven't sat and watch a movie with them in ages, that don't require much and I can't bring myself to do it. So, I want to improve that.

I know my goals can seem like things that almost everybody is doing in those resolution things, there is a difference though. Since I am a planner, I have these goals in my face until I reach them, which, I can always get closer to God and I can always be more family oriented. Even my concern with getting in shape and slimming down, it will take a conscious effort to remain healthy once I get there.

So, as you are looking over your goals and resolutions, remember that your body, as a Christian is the Temple of God.

1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

1 Corinthians 6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"