And the School Bell Rings!!
Saved by the bell is not exactly what I'm feeling this week. In some ways, yes. I am enjoying the freedom that has come to my days. My kitchen is spotless. I went to work on-time since we were out the door earlier than usual. We have tons to talk about because everybody goes to a different place each day. But, yesterday, my FB post was: "The kids are off to school. I'm free. Why am I so weepy?" I'm better today. Just a little hint of wanting to cry. But no real tears, yet.
I've homeschooled until now, so this is a jolt to all of our systems. We went from little structure to lots of it. When anybody asks me how I'm doing, I have been embarrassed by the river of tears that swells and threatens to overflow the banks of my eyelids. I was relieved to have several moms tell me, "I wept when my kids went to school," or "I cry every year when school starts because we've had so much fun through the summer. You get used to them being with you."
Not all moms feel this way. And please don't feel bad if you did a happy dance when you dropped them off the first day. I think that will come for me, too...in a few weeks.
The openness of these moms to share in my sadness by admitting their own, reminded me that it's so important to be authentic with each other. If I pretend to have it all together, I just make life harder on somebody else. So take a risk and offer your true feelings to another mom. It might be just the ticket to help her find a balance between sadness and the "happy dance."
This year we are going to work on learning Romans 12. I'm praying for my kids Romans 12:2: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Blessings!
Sharon
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Rocks vs. Pebbles
You might have seen the illustration about putting the big rocks in the jar before you pour the pebbles in. If you pour the pebbles in first, the big rocks won't fit, overflowing out of the top of the jar. That's exactly how it is with life. If we don't commit to putting the major things into our day (time with God, investing in our families, etc.), we will be constantly chasing the small things (practices, matching stray socks) and may miss what is most important to us.
For many moms, our time is taken from us by the demands of school, extracurricular activities (ball games and music lessons), church commitments, or a job commitment, not to mention all the responsibilities a home and family bring. For single moms, your time is stretched even further, beyond your limit at times. There are more books and articles on the subject of balancing our time than there are jelly beans in a "guessing jar." But why are we trying to keep
all the plates spinning at the same time? Even the trained circus performers who spend hours trying to keep the plates balanced allow one to drop on occasion!
What plates are you balancing? The beginning of a new school year is a great time to set some goals and be intentional about what we spend our time on.
Lord, Thank You for watching over my family as we go through our day. Some days are so full that I feel like we didn't live them--we endured them. Help us learn how to rest in You and enjoy our days. When we are home, Father, help us to really be together. It will be something only You can do, but lease, Lord, help me to see my children's faces before I see the mess. Trim our schedule as You see fit, Lord. Give me wisdom to see things the way You would. Learning to rest...Amen.
Now it is your turn to chime in. What are some ideas that work for your family to spend time together? Any tips to get house work done to have time for some fun? How about keeping the family schedule within livable limits?
adapted from Laurie and Sharon's book Mom...and Loving It!
For many moms, our time is taken from us by the demands of school, extracurricular activities (ball games and music lessons), church commitments, or a job commitment, not to mention all the responsibilities a home and family bring. For single moms, your time is stretched even further, beyond your limit at times. There are more books and articles on the subject of balancing our time than there are jelly beans in a "guessing jar." But why are we trying to keep
all the plates spinning at the same time? Even the trained circus performers who spend hours trying to keep the plates balanced allow one to drop on occasion!What plates are you balancing? The beginning of a new school year is a great time to set some goals and be intentional about what we spend our time on.
Lord, Thank You for watching over my family as we go through our day. Some days are so full that I feel like we didn't live them--we endured them. Help us learn how to rest in You and enjoy our days. When we are home, Father, help us to really be together. It will be something only You can do, but lease, Lord, help me to see my children's faces before I see the mess. Trim our schedule as You see fit, Lord. Give me wisdom to see things the way You would. Learning to rest...Amen.
Now it is your turn to chime in. What are some ideas that work for your family to spend time together? Any tips to get house work done to have time for some fun? How about keeping the family schedule within livable limits?
adapted from Laurie and Sharon's book Mom...and Loving It!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Still Giving His All - Delightful Dad Contest Winner
My dad met me when I was just 3 years old. My mom and I traveled from New York to California looking for a better life. She was 16. My dad found us and fell in love with us immediately. When I was 6, he married my mom and took me in as his own. Both he and my mom struggled to find work and keep a roof over our head. We scraped by, and I wasn't aware then how hard he worked to provide for us.
My dad took every job that he could, while also committing to his family. He worked in Phoenix on the weekends and in Costa Mesa, California during the week. I always remember how happy we were to see him come home, but only to send him off a very short time later. He never looked tired to me, though, and always attended to our needs.
I saw as I got older and into my teen years, how much my Dad really provided for our family. Not only financially, but spiritually and emotionally. His showing me that hard work was the key to success and that determination and trust in God was critical. He taught me that you can't always believe what you read or hear, and that I could always go to him when I needed to.
When I was in college, he was able to start his own business and grew it slowly and successfully. He blessed others with benefits and a good salary before his own, with gifts and loans as they needed, and he shared the blessings of a successful business with those who were having a rough patch in his life.
It was 3 years ago when my dad lost his business. The money he put away for his future and the money he earned through his 20 years of a successful business vanished. He lost his company, his home and his health. My parents moved to New York 2 years ago to care for my ailing grandfather who has cancer. They have struggled daily and my dad is back to working two jobs, 60 hours a week, to make ends meet. At almost 60 years old, he deserves so much more. He still provides for his family (just him and my mom now), and it pains me to see his struggles come full circle.
I don't know how to bless him right now but to pray for his well being, his strength to get through each rough day and to send you a note for this contest. I would love to see my dad earn a gift card, especially in his hard times, but more importantly to be honored for all that he has done throughout my life, and for what he continues to do even during his darkest of days.
Kathleen
Kathleen...He wins! Sounds like you won a long time ago with a wonderful father. We are honored to recognize him and pray that the gift is a blessing. Thanks for sharing your story.
Sharon and Laurie
Thanks to all of you who participated in our dad contest. Sometimes dads get a bad rap. If you've haven't experienced the joy of knowing your father's unconditional acceptance, we pray that you'll find hope in God our Father who knows your every thought. Psalm 139 lets us in on just how much He loves each of us...including you.
My dad took every job that he could, while also committing to his family. He worked in Phoenix on the weekends and in Costa Mesa, California during the week. I always remember how happy we were to see him come home, but only to send him off a very short time later. He never looked tired to me, though, and always attended to our needs.
I saw as I got older and into my teen years, how much my Dad really provided for our family. Not only financially, but spiritually and emotionally. His showing me that hard work was the key to success and that determination and trust in God was critical. He taught me that you can't always believe what you read or hear, and that I could always go to him when I needed to.
When I was in college, he was able to start his own business and grew it slowly and successfully. He blessed others with benefits and a good salary before his own, with gifts and loans as they needed, and he shared the blessings of a successful business with those who were having a rough patch in his life.
It was 3 years ago when my dad lost his business. The money he put away for his future and the money he earned through his 20 years of a successful business vanished. He lost his company, his home and his health. My parents moved to New York 2 years ago to care for my ailing grandfather who has cancer. They have struggled daily and my dad is back to working two jobs, 60 hours a week, to make ends meet. At almost 60 years old, he deserves so much more. He still provides for his family (just him and my mom now), and it pains me to see his struggles come full circle.
I don't know how to bless him right now but to pray for his well being, his strength to get through each rough day and to send you a note for this contest. I would love to see my dad earn a gift card, especially in his hard times, but more importantly to be honored for all that he has done throughout my life, and for what he continues to do even during his darkest of days.
Kathleen
Kathleen...He wins! Sounds like you won a long time ago with a wonderful father. We are honored to recognize him and pray that the gift is a blessing. Thanks for sharing your story.
Sharon and Laurie
Thanks to all of you who participated in our dad contest. Sometimes dads get a bad rap. If you've haven't experienced the joy of knowing your father's unconditional acceptance, we pray that you'll find hope in God our Father who knows your every thought. Psalm 139 lets us in on just how much He loves each of us...including you.
Friday, July 23, 2010
More Delightful Dads...
We are celebrating the role that dad plays in the home. Here are some extraordinary stories of dads who went the extra mile. These guys are AMAZING! Thanks again to all who sent Dad Stories! They were wonderful! Here are two more...the grand prize story will be posted next week! Drumroll please...
Sleepless Daddy...
During the 3rd trimester of my second pregnancy I got severe depression. It continued after the birth of the baby. Those were some of the darkest days of my life. A couple years had passed and I wasn't totally convinced that the Lord was done with us having children so we starting praying about it. After praying for two years I became pregnant with my third child. I was so scared. But my husband believed in his heart that this pregnancy would glorify the Lord and he didn't worry about me getting depressed again. So we entered the 3rd trimester and I still felt good. Then our precious Ella was born. That night at the hospital Jeff told me that he was going to sleep in the nursery and bring me Ella to nurse until she was sleeping through the night. He told me that he loved me so much that he would sacrifice his own sleep to know that I was getting a restful nights sleep to fight off any depression. That lasted 3 1/2 months. Jeff is a legend where we live. So many people meet me and they will say is your husband the one that slept in the floor of your babies room? I just laugh and smile "yes". They always ask why and I tell them God told husbands to love your wives as God loved the church. So he is 100% committed to doing that. He is amazing and I thank God for him everyday.
Kelly, Virginia
***************************
And Another Sleepless Daddy...
This past Spring, our 1st grader had a field trip to Roman Nose State Park for a 2 mile hike. Literally over the hills, up the rocks, through the streams.....type of hike!!! My husband had gone with both our older children when they were in 1st grade and he knew how important it was to Hayden for him to go. HOWEVER, he was in very southern Alabama on a contract and doing everything in his power to finish up so he could travel home). After an exhausting day of finishing and loading the equipment to head back, he drove all the way back to Enid, OK virtually NON-STOP & all night and arrived into town 18 hours later just 15 minutes before having to be at the school. He took a VERY quick shower, and headed out with 30 first graders and parents for a "fun-filled" day of hiking in the hot sun, picnic, and playing in the springs. Needless to say, when he got home, he fell into bed clothes and all and slept a LONG time!! But Hayden was such a happy boy, filled with memories of Roman Nose Hiking!!!! What dedication!!!
Kristin, Oklahoma
Okay, moms...now it's our turn to encourage the men in our lives. Rather than comparing your fella to these guys, remember, these men have faults, too. This was just a time when they were particularly wonderful. Ask God to help you see something today in your husband that is worth applauding. It's there and God can help us see those things.
Sleepless Daddy...
During the 3rd trimester of my second pregnancy I got severe depression. It continued after the birth of the baby. Those were some of the darkest days of my life. A couple years had passed and I wasn't totally convinced that the Lord was done with us having children so we starting praying about it. After praying for two years I became pregnant with my third child. I was so scared. But my husband believed in his heart that this pregnancy would glorify the Lord and he didn't worry about me getting depressed again. So we entered the 3rd trimester and I still felt good. Then our precious Ella was born. That night at the hospital Jeff told me that he was going to sleep in the nursery and bring me Ella to nurse until she was sleeping through the night. He told me that he loved me so much that he would sacrifice his own sleep to know that I was getting a restful nights sleep to fight off any depression. That lasted 3 1/2 months. Jeff is a legend where we live. So many people meet me and they will say is your husband the one that slept in the floor of your babies room? I just laugh and smile "yes". They always ask why and I tell them God told husbands to love your wives as God loved the church. So he is 100% committed to doing that. He is amazing and I thank God for him everyday.
Kelly, Virginia
***************************
And Another Sleepless Daddy...
This past Spring, our 1st grader had a field trip to Roman Nose State Park for a 2 mile hike. Literally over the hills, up the rocks, through the streams.....type of hike!!! My husband had gone with both our older children when they were in 1st grade and he knew how important it was to Hayden for him to go. HOWEVER, he was in very southern Alabama on a contract and doing everything in his power to finish up so he could travel home). After an exhausting day of finishing and loading the equipment to head back, he drove all the way back to Enid, OK virtually NON-STOP & all night and arrived into town 18 hours later just 15 minutes before having to be at the school. He took a VERY quick shower, and headed out with 30 first graders and parents for a "fun-filled" day of hiking in the hot sun, picnic, and playing in the springs. Needless to say, when he got home, he fell into bed clothes and all and slept a LONG time!! But Hayden was such a happy boy, filled with memories of Roman Nose Hiking!!!! What dedication!!!
Kristin, Oklahoma
Okay, moms...now it's our turn to encourage the men in our lives. Rather than comparing your fella to these guys, remember, these men have faults, too. This was just a time when they were particularly wonderful. Ask God to help you see something today in your husband that is worth applauding. It's there and God can help us see those things.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
This is Our Life - It Is a Choice
Delightful Dad Series
The house is quiet and dark, all three little ones sleeping as we finally settle in. Suddenly the silence is pierced by a series of beeps from my husband’s bedside. The fire department pager goes off. There is a child with difficulty breathing in town. Without a second thought he is up throwing on the clothes he left next to the bed “just in case” to rush out to help someone else’s little one. In spite of working a 12 hour day and having only a short time to sleep before doing it all again, he eagerly gets up, sacrificing his comfort because someone else whom he has never met needs help.
This is our life. It is a choice. It happens multiple times a day (or night) sometimes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way because that’s who my husband is.
Rebecca Hastings
This is our life. It is a choice. It happens multiple times a day (or night) sometimes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way because that’s who my husband is.
Rebecca Hastings
We are grateful for the sacrifice made by so many everyday. Feel free to post your gratitude comments to all the EMT/Police/Fire/Servicemen and women and their spouses by clicking "comments" below. Thanks for sharing your life with us Rebecca!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Summer Strife
Are you ready for your kids to go back to school? Is the summer fun over? Do you need a vacation by yourself? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be experiencing Summer Strife. It can be defined as "when children bicker and argue over silly, insignificant things that causes their mother to want to pull her hair out!"
If your kids are anything like mine, they can often get on each other's nerves. My daughter came in this morning, fell face down on my bed and stated, "Mom, I can't take her anymore!" (Like we can get rid of her!)
As I was reading this afternoon in Colossians, I came across this scripture and thought what an appropriate verse to memorize for our family.
The reality is that we "can't take" each other at times, but isn't it wonderful to realize that God chooses us all the time, and therefore He will equip us to love each other!
If your kids are anything like mine, they can often get on each other's nerves. My daughter came in this morning, fell face down on my bed and stated, "Mom, I can't take her anymore!" (Like we can get rid of her!)
As I was reading this afternoon in Colossians, I came across this scripture and thought what an appropriate verse to memorize for our family.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
The reality is that we "can't take" each other at times, but isn't it wonderful to realize that God chooses us all the time, and therefore He will equip us to love each other!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Summer Run-Away
Last week was a little piece of heaven. We ran-away from daily life. Thanks to my travel savvy husband we headed out of town for an inexpensive vacation. The kids were ours, and we were theirs. There was no opportunity to ask, "Can a friend come over?" because there were no friends around (not that we don't like our friends!!) We had no internet in our rooms, so daddy and I (and our bewildered teen) weren't clamoring for time on the web.
We needed it. Our family had been going in running 10 different directions as the school year ended. It was time that we ran away. Sometimes I feel like 9 of those different directions are mine! I say that "we" needed the time away, but I was desperate for it. I had to slow down and just be. And in stopping to enjoy my family, I realized that I like being with them! In fact, I loved it.
I also had a chance to spend quality time with God. I like Him, too. What a blessing to be loved by Him not because I'm so lovable, but because He is loving. (See The Love Dare - Day 8 or 9).
After coming back to the real world, I'm more aware of my family and of my relationship with God...and how precious both are.
Maybe you can't run away from home this summer, but, why not try a day or 2 of vacation at home? It takes some planning, but you can create a haven in the heat of summer to bring your hearts back home. Game night, movie night, a baking day, water sprinklers in the back yard...
My prayer for our time was, "Lord, please help us enjoy the time away as much as we'll enjoy the memories later." He certainly answered that prayer for us. I hope that as you take your moments and run with them this summer, He will do the same for you!
We needed it. Our family had been going in running 10 different directions as the school year ended. It was time that we ran away. Sometimes I feel like 9 of those different directions are mine! I say that "we" needed the time away, but I was desperate for it. I had to slow down and just be. And in stopping to enjoy my family, I realized that I like being with them! In fact, I loved it.
I also had a chance to spend quality time with God. I like Him, too. What a blessing to be loved by Him not because I'm so lovable, but because He is loving. (See The Love Dare - Day 8 or 9).
After coming back to the real world, I'm more aware of my family and of my relationship with God...and how precious both are.
Maybe you can't run away from home this summer, but, why not try a day or 2 of vacation at home? It takes some planning, but you can create a haven in the heat of summer to bring your hearts back home. Game night, movie night, a baking day, water sprinklers in the back yard...
My prayer for our time was, "Lord, please help us enjoy the time away as much as we'll enjoy the memories later." He certainly answered that prayer for us. I hope that as you take your moments and run with them this summer, He will do the same for you!
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