Growing...

I've had a lot on my mind lately.

Being a mom of young children is hard.

Most of the time your exhausted.

You feel as though you are being pulled in 5 different directions at once.

You deal with major tantrums and major messes.

But as my children are growing up...

I am starting get a glimpse as to what it will be like to parent older children.

And I see a whole new set of difficulties.

Answering the tough questions.

Training my children in purity and modesty.

Having to let go and let them be independent.

Just to name a few.

I must admit there have been a few times this week I have felt fear creep in.

What if I do something wrong?

What if I am not a good enough example?

What if I don't put enough emphasis on a certain thing?

And then as I began to pray about all these feeling

God helped me realize a few things.

Am I perfect?

No. But He is.

Will my children be sinless little angles?

No. But through the repentance of our sins we grow closer to Him.

Will I fail?

Many times. But I will choose to live by grace and not perfection.

So, while I know I have a few more years to go, I am feeling God's strength to enter this new chapter of life. I am looking forward to the challenges that will come with it because I know He is walking right along with me.

Blessings.

A blog you need to read

I love reading blogs. I love reading people's ideas, perspectives, and thoughts. I subscribe to cooking blogs, christian blogs, "mommy" blogs, homeschool blogs, decorating blogs, craft blogs, all topics that are near and dear to my heart.

One blog has consistently stuck out to me over and over again, though. The Doorpost Ministries blog has been encouraging, enlightening, entertaining, and uplifting to me in so many ways. I've been a huge fan of their products (which is a whole other blog post! I LOVE their stuff!) for well over a year now and so when I saw, back in March, that they were starting up a new blog you better believe I subscribed right away! Doorpost is a ministry dedicating to helping parents apply scripture in their homes. An area I can always use good advice in! The things I love is that not only is Pam (the main contributor) so encouraging but her advice is practical and totally do-able. You can tell just by reading her blog that she has a passion for godly homes.

So, if you haven't checked out Doorposts of Your House yet, head on over there, browse around and look through all the wonderful ideas and encouraging words she has to share. I am such a huge fan that I have a nice little button on the right side of my blog you can follow to get there.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he shall not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

This verse has been both a burden and a joy to my heart. It makes me realize the great responsibility that I have as a parent but also it reminds me that if I am faithful to teach my children God's truth it will be worth it! God has impressed on my heart that now is the time! My children are young and are looking to my husband and I for direction and guidance. May He give us all the grace and strength to be faithful in our calling as parents.

Blessings!

How I spend time with the Lord

Something I have noticed is that a lot of young moms struggle with how and when to spend time with the Lord. Life gets so busy when you have little ones running around. At the end of the day you are so exhausted you can hardly keep your eyes open! Trust me...I know too well.

I remember when I was in college (pre-children) I'd pack a little bag containing my Bible, cd player (pre-mp3), worship music, water bottle, and snack and would head to the lake. I would literally spend hours just feeding on His Word, worshiping Him through song and enjoying His beautiful creation. It was a such a blessing and I cherish those memories! But, I am in a new season of life. I have had 4 children in 5 years and leisurely times in God's Word just don't happen any more. And can I tell you something? I am okay with that! Do I miss them? Sometimes. Would I love to do it again? Of course! But I have noticed there is a certain amount of guilt that comes when one can't spend 1/2 an hour to an hour totally devoted to God. Why is that? Doesn't God know our circumstances? Didn't He give us these little ones? I remember last year I was reading the book "Passionate Housewifes Desperate for God" by Stacy McDonald and Jennie Chancey. One of the things that I really appreciated and that was a new thought to me was this:

"Spending time in God's Word is crucial, but don't set yourself up for disappointment by expecting a regular time of peacful bliss in prayer and quiet solitude.
I believe that one of the heaviest burdens well-meaning Christians place upon the shoulders of mothers at home is the mandate of "quiet time". "

I have heard a lot of moms say that they just get up before their children in the morning. And I totally applaud you moms that can do that. I am SO glad you have found what works for you and your family! I managed to get up early for a time and I had some sweet, sweet time with the Lord. But I had some problems with that approach, getting up early = grumpy/tired mommy in the afternoon. Or on several occasions, I would get frustrated and upset if the children heard me get up and got up earlier then usual. Either way it didn't turn out the way I had intended it too. And overall it wasn't good for my family. Enter the guilt.

As I thought about the statement above, I realized that never in the Bible does God command us to "spend at least (insert time here), all at the same time, in prayer and Bible study each day". Doesn't God appreciate my little prayers through out the day just as much as a 1/2 an hour prayer fest? Or my reading a bible verse while I'm nursing a baby and then meditating on it for the next couple hours while I work just as much as sitting on the couch alone and quiet doing the same thing? I had placed an unnecessary burden on myself. It is when I started having these thoughts that I changed the way I spent time with the Lord. I now pray little prayers all day long. While I was dishes, fold laundry, give the children a bath, cook dinner. I squeeze in moments of Bible reading in between busy moments. While I am waiting for someone to finish a test, rocking a sick child, waiting for the children to finish their chores so we can do something else. I then have something to meditate on the next couple hours! Also, my children love to hear me pray and read the Bible to them. I love the fact that I am teaching them that prayer can happen any time and not just at a set time during the day.

All this to say, Moms, get rid of the guilt. We need to spend time in prayer and God's Word. It is SO important. But don't feel like if you aren't having your "quiet time" every day, you are somehow failing. God desires us to pray without ceasing! (1 Thes. 5:17) And to mediate on God's Word day and night! (Psalms 1:2) (Not to say those of you who do have regular quiet times don't do this!) Let's keep our focus on loving and serving Him!

Be blessed!

Fabric Overload

(All fabric except for the night gowns...which I haven't bought yet. I'm in denial.)

2 girls
+
8 dresses each
+
2 aprons
+
5 night gowns each
=
One busy Mama

Ladies (and dad), if no one hears from me for a couple weeks...send help.

Oh be careful little mouth what (and how) you say

Something I have been working on lately, by God's grace...

It’s not so much what you say

As the manner in which you say it;

It’s not so much the language you use

As the tone in which you convey it;

“Come here!” I sharply said,

And the child cowered and wept.

“Come here,” I said-

He looked and smiled

And straight to my lap he crept.

Words may be mild and fair

And the tone may pierce like a dart;

Words may be soft as the summer air

But the tone may break my heart;

For words come from the mind

Grow by study and art-

But tone leaps from the inner self

Revealing the state of the heart.

Whether you know it or not,

Whether you are mean or care,

Gentleness, kindness, love and hate,

Envy, anger, are there.

Then, would you quarrels avoid

And peace and love rejoice?

Keep anger not only out of your words-

Keep it out of your voice.

Author Unknown

Article posted by Miss Jocelyn @ Training Daughters, Teaching Wives

I made it!!

I've been nervous for over a week. Why you ask? Early Saturday morning John left on a trip...for 4 days. I was going to be home...alone...with 4 children... 6 and under...for 4 days! Ah! This had never happened before! Granted, I stay home with them every day but John always comes home at night. So if I have had a rather tough day I can say "John, I need some time to myself." and leave. So, I was nervous this weekend I was going to be grumpy and frustrated, the house was going to be a complete disaster, and it was going to be awful for everyone. The thing I was most nervous about? Sunday morning. Oh my! I was SO nervous! I was going to be taking all 4 of my children to church with me, alone! You may not think this is a big deal but, you see, our church isn't like other churches. We don't have children's church or day care. Our children sit with us the whole time. Which I love, but doing it by myself...oh my. Oh, and I forgot to mention that our services are 3 hours long. So, all last week I was nervous about it. John kept assuring me I would be fine. I had little discussions with the children throughout the week about needing to help and being on their best behavior.

And finally Saturday came. I got up early that morning and had an amazing time of prayer. As I was praying the Lord brought to mind Proverbs 31. More specifically the verse that says "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." God reminded me that John needs to be able to trust that I can manage things in his absence. This was such a motivation for me! And I am happy to report that this weekend has been wonderful. They were amazing at church on Sunday and we've been having a good time! The house isn't a disaster and, the best news of all, John is coming home a day early! I should have just trusted the Lord in the first place, huh? Lesson learned.

Thanks for checking in!

~A

Every party has a pooper....

I can't believe I just wrote the word poop...(Marie, I know you are shocked!).

Anyway, I have been in a serious funk lately. Irritable, tired, moody, lethargic. And to make matters worse, I have been throwing myself a real pity party. "Sigh...the house never stays clean." "Sigh...I'm so bored doing the same thing every day." "Sigh...(yes I've been doing a lot of sighing lately)...I'm tired of being at the house all day."

I've started waking up at 6am so I can have some quiet time before the children wake up in the morning. This morning I decided to read a devotional called Tea Leaves. It's a devotional aimed at women that was put out by several missionary wives. I read through several of the devotions and had some time to reflect on them afterwards. That is when the Lord spoke to my heart. "Amanda, look at all the heart ache going on in the world. Orphans, widows, poverty, broken families/homes/marriages. And you are throwing yourself a pity party because you are bored ?? That's selfish!"

Eek. There is that word. Selfish. I couldn't deny it. My selfishness over the past couple days had even creeped into my marriage. I had been upset that John was't taking me out to do things. That he wasn't spending more time with me. That he wasn't giving me a break from the children to do what I wanted. Do you see the reoccurring theme here? I realized that I hadn't even told him that I wanted these things. He was just supposed to know I was struggling. Not to mention he hasn't had the best week at work either!

So, today I started thanking the Lord for things instead of complaining about them:

~My dryer has been broken for about 2 weeks now-Thank you, God, that it's not raining so I can hang our laundry out to dry.

~Bradley got crumbs all over the couch (and I mean all over!)-Thank you, God, for this precious little boy who is so full of life and energy.

~We didn't have much for me to fix for lunch in the house- Thank you, God, for this opportunity to practice my bread baking skills.

~And my biggest "thank you"-Thank you, God, for loving me even in my sin.

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ~Matthew 20:28

Running the race,

~A

My Work

My Work

I have the greatest work in the world;

The job of rocking a baby to sleep,

That of guiding his tottering feet,

A baby's clothes to launder and fold,

A precious life to shape and mold,

A drink to give from a little cup,

At night his toys to gather up,

Hurts to heal and fears to quell,

A baby to keep clean and well,

A stack of diapers to put,

Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!

I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in to world;

A husband to encourage when things go wrong,

When he comes from work to greet with a song,

Denims and shirts to wash and mend,

A helping hand, when needed, to lend,

Three times a day is meals to cook,

To strive to be my best to look,

His back to rub at the close of the day,

For his faithfulness to God I pray,

When hubby's in the field I take lemonade,

for all these tasks his love has Paid.

I am a " Wife."

I have the greatest work in the world;

A home to keep happy, clean and bright,

Make things go smooth and strive for the right,

Jams to cook and jellies to make,

Cookies and pies and bread to bake,

Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,

So many tasks, will I ever get through?

Lettuce to wash and peas to pick,

floors to scrub, lost items to seek,

Dishes to wash and windows to shine,

These and many more tasks are mine.

I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,

Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,

give me the patience and love I pray,

To keep myself in duties way;

With all the hustle that each day brings

May I not neglect the needing things;

Each day to spend time alone with Thee

That Jesus Christ be seen in me.

Thank you for husband, our home, our girls and boys;

Thank you for love which brings me much joy.

Thank you, Lord.

~Mary Lou Burkholder

Thanks go to Joy for sharing this inspirational poem today! I truly love my job!

~A

Tea Party

I love having daughters. Especially really awesome daughters like the ones I have. :) Sometimes when I think of the responsibility that has been given to me, of raising up these two beautiful girls into godly women....oh my. Am I, at all, qualified for this, Lord?? But:

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

I know, together, with the Lord and John by my side they will be amazing young women.

Today Lilly wanted to throw a tea party for her brothers. Since John and I are always trying to teach the children how to serve one another, I thought this was a wonderful idea. So, we got out her tea set, slapped some peanut butter on some Ritz crackers and broke out the Collins Street Bakery Cherry cookies that we received in the mail yesterday (thanks, mom and dad!)

She was quite the hostess, if I do say so myself. The boys were so thrilled with the whole thing.
Not only did Lilly host the tea party but she washed all the dishes afterwards without me even asking!

Did I hit the jackpot for "amazing daughter" or what?
And because I simply cannot blog about the children and leave out little Miss Kate, here's a picture of her. She'll be turning 1 on the 25th.

I can't believe it! (please excuse her runny nose....gotta grab a good picture while you can!)


Check out A Wise Woman Builds Her Home for some inspirational words about raising daughters.

Be blessed,
~A

Struggles

Patience-

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. (ouch!)

2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner. (oh my...sigh)

3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience. (ahhhh!)


Growing up, I always considered myself a pretty patient person. Pretty even tempered and able to get over things easily. Nothing (NOTHING) has tested my patience more than being a mother. Now, don't get me wrong. My children are beautiful, wonderful, absolute blessings from the Lord. And I am thankful for them every. single. day. But, as all parents know, children can be difficult. Many times I find myself expecting them to react to the situation like an adult would. And then I realize, "Wait a minute...that's what these situations are all about!" It is my job to teach them how Jesus would want us to behave. To teach them the difference between good and bad, appropriate and inappropriate, and ultimately sin and righteousness.

So, I'm trying to keep things in perspective. Life can get pretty frustrating sometimes, I'll be honest. But I see the progress we are making in everyday life too. Whenever Lilly offers to let one of her siblings go first. Whenever Bradley willingly tells someone he's sorry for a wrong behavior. When Luke volunteers to wipe off the table after we eat. It's those little moments that make all the frustrations, prayers, and tears worth it.

It's a funny thing too. When you pray for patience the Lord will test you. I don't want my children remembering a mother that lost her temper and threw her own tantrums. But as a godly woman with a meek and gentle spirit. So, bring on the tests! (Did I really just say that?? Uh oh...)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ~James 1:3-5

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. ~2 Tim. 2:24-26

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ~James 3:17

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ~ Romans 5:3-4

So, there are my struggles. But thankfully, for me, there is hope. And His name is Jesus.

Running the race,

~A