Give Them To God

"'I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.'" 1 Samuel 1:27, 28


Just as Hannah cried out to God, I too cried out to him for a child. When my second one came along later that what I expected, we were ecstatic. The period of waiting for another child, which I so badly wanted, has made me so much more grateful for each moment I have with each of my children. I find that I am cherishing every moment (well, maybe not when messes and bodily fluids are involved, etc.), or at least more moments than in the past. But still it is easy to forget where these precious ones came from. It is all to easy to forget to keep giving them back to the One who gave them to you in the first place. But, it is so critical to their well-being. In a blink of an eye they will be grown or gone. In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy the little ones God has placed in your life and let Him do the rest. Just like Hannah.

Children Are A Gift From God

Congratulations to my sister-in-law and her family on the arrival of Emilee Grace on May 24! Look at all that dark hair! Isn't she a precious little girl?













This little cutie just got his first two teeth in at the same time. He is such a joy.













This big four-year-old got dressed completely by himself for church, including the tie which is clipped to his white t-shirt underneath.







What a gift from God all these children are. At times it is trying and tiresome, but it is all worth it. I am so blessed to have these children and others in my life. Thank you God for such precious souls.

Those Crazy Christians Again

I turned on the television last night to relax a little and what do I find? Yet another popular show having the hypocritical christian reverend who is delving into the world of crime. This reverend just happened to be "pro-life" and spoke out very strongly against it. Unfortunately, he went too far, giving Christians once again a bad reputation. I have seen so many of these shows. Every time I see a show where someone claims to be a Christian, I get excited in anticipation that this might be the one who will tell the world that good, Jesus-loving, Bible-believing, sane, imperfect but trying Christians do exist in this world. Then once again I am reminded that this would be boring and would not produce enough drama to get good ratings. In case you were wondering, this kind of Christian really does exist just as hardworking families on public assistance exist and average good people exist. Who would want to hear about these people though? I for one would.

Commentary on Sheila's Comment

Just a little commentary on the comments that Sheila wrote about parenting. I just want to make it clear that this book does not recommend no use of discipline. It simply states that if a child is not behaving properly to first assess the situation and determine whether his needs are all being met. (The book states all the different needs and how to deal with them as well.) Then if you think that all the needs are met, then you proceed to discipline. I also agree with Sheila that no matter what parenting techniques you use, it is constantly necessary to pray for guidance. I am always asking God to help me to know what to do in a situation so as not to hurt my children in any way emotionally. Obviously no parent is perfect, especially myself, but fortunately for me, I have the Heavenly "Father" who knows exactly what my chilren need at all times.

May God bless you Sheila as you endeavor to give birth again! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

A Great Parenting Book

I read an outstanding book on parenting, that goes along with this "priorities" issue. "How to Really Parent Your Child" by Ross Campbell is one of the best parenting books I have ever read. The thesis is to look at your childs behavior and determine if all of his needs are being met before disciplining. Many times a child acts out because they are hungry, tired, or feeling upset or unloved. The author says to take care of this need first and then if the behavior does not correct itself, then discipline. I have tried this and it has been very helpful. Many times children do not know how to express in words what is wrong, so they do something else to try to tell you. I just took my 4-year-old to the doctor for strep throat. He knew something was wrong but he couldn't explain it so he said his back hurt. The last time he had strep throat he complained of his legs hurting. Both times he was acting funny and had toileting accidents. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn't explain it. It is up to us, the parents, to figure that out and take care of it. When we don't, they feel unloved and unsafe and end up acting out more often. Try reading this book. It certainly can't hurt!

Tempting Priorities

When God blesses you with a child, he is entrusting to you the responsibility of loving this child to the best of your ability so that he will grow up to be a productive member of society. So why is it that the most important job God gives us seems to fall quite farther down the line in our priority list? There are so many things that we are tempted to put above our children. Whether you are a stay at home mom, work part time or work full time, you are always being tempted with new priorities. What good person would turn down an opportunity to help the homeless, tutor disabled children or be in charge of the PTO? All of these possibilities are worthy causes and will do some good in the world, but we have to start weeding out the things that in themselves are respectable, but in reality are not helpful to our families. Sure it is good to teach your children to give to others, but what lesson are they going to learn if you are so busy giving to others that you have no time left for them? I am a stay at home mother, but I am still being bombarded with lots of activities to be involved in every day. I have to constantly take time to consider if this is a good choice for the world, me or my family. Even cleaning the house and cooking. I could spend all day cleaning (and it still wouldn't be clean longer than five minutes) and all day cooking a magnificent meal for my family, but what is it that they really want? They want me. My full, undivided attention. I have found that when I give my children attention, they are better behaved and end up doing other things which enables me to get some cleaning or other things (such as this website) accomplished. Taking every day as it comes and making children a priority every single day is not an easy task, but it is necessary in order to make a good grade with the most important assignment God will ever give you. Raising a child. Take some time out today, tomorrow and every other day to listen to, love and laugh with your children. It may be the last opportunity you ever receive.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord. Children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3