Six Goals for 2016...

I am usually come up with so many goals (like here). Seriously, I have made many a unattainable to do list.  But this year- just 6 things. And what does not fit into the 6 things? Well, I might just have to say no (gasp). Can't do it all, but what I do I want to do well:)!

All this to be said, my word for the year is FOCUS.
Focus on what matters, focus on what God is calling me to, and focus on what I actually can get done!

One

Continued growth in my relationship with God. This past year I read the book Women of the Word and really learned to study my Bible. I have studies Ruth, 1 John and Galations since then and I love the depth that I am learning scripture. I hope to contunue to study scripture with this depth.

I want work on praying continually and intentionally. With each breath and with each step.

Two 

I want to grow in my relationship with Andrew. My prayer is that this would continue to happen as we serve together, pray together, study together and just do life together. That our relationship would give a picture of Christ and the church.

Three

I want to soak in each moment with our precious kiddos and really disciple them! Not an easy task and not one I take lightly.  I want to really show them the Gospel and Grace day in and day out. 

Four

Self-care.  This sounds so selfish when I say it, but getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and not stressing need to be priorities.  As I tell other mamas all the time, 

"You need to put your life mask on yourself first before you put it on your child."  

Can't help the littles or anyone else if you aren't taking care of yourself.  It is time I take my own advise.

Five

Ministry. Serving.  Particularly focusing on the College/20s ministry and preschool ministry at our church.  I know those seem like opposite… but I just really like both :).  

Six

We have had one car since I was 16, 12 years, and it has over 200,000  miles on it.  We have another that has over 175,000.  We would like to save cash to buy a car.  I will be working a couple of part time gigs this next year- some nannying and working in the preschool ministry at our church (get to take the kiddos with me for both:)).  Working these jobs and saving the money will be a priority!

Even though I limited myself to 6… this is still an intense list.  It is still a lot.

That being said… anyone notice something not on there?

The good old blog.  

I am not shutting it down.  I can't.  I just love it.  The writing that is…

Anyways, in times like this, when my cup runth over- something has to be at the bottom of the totem pole.  So the blog it is.

I will write, but maybe not as often.

So what about you?  Do you have a mile long to do list this year? Or just a few priorities?

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If you like this post you may like…

The Budgeting Diaries 

To the mom deciding between full-time work, part-time work and staying home…

Embracing the Teachable Twos

School Choices..

Another first day of school.

And by school I mean mother's day out, at least for now.  

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-1016

But it gets me thinking… what does the future hold for the littles.   Each day I drive by the local elementary school and I think, "Will our kids go there?" And I just don't know. Both my husband and I spent all of our years in public school-K-12.  Overall, I had a great experience in public school, I feel like it prepared me for the world in so many ways. And to be honest, I always thought that is the route we would go.   But now I have seen other options up close and all of sudden what once was a sure thing, is questioned.  I see the the pluses and minuses in public school. I see homeschool moms that I love and respect. I see friends I respect with kids in private school. And I just don't know. And with an almost 2 1/2 year old and an almost 2 month old, we just rest in the fact that there is time.   I mean ultimately no matter what schooling you choose, you are "Homeschooling" from day one right? When the hubs and I talk about it, we don't come to any conclusions today for the future… besides this: It will be a year by year, child by child decision.

What about you?  How do you/would you make this decision?

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Teachable Twos….

You have heard it, I have heard it… the dreaded "Terrible Twos."  

As we neared the two year mark with BD, I heard it from everyone.  

*"Just brace your self."

*"Oh, she's almost 2?  Just wait…"

*"Don't worry you can get through these years..." (Just a side note: this is the one that kills me the most… I don't want to just get through these years, I want to enjoy them and embrace them, just like with every stage with our kiddos)

Now I should start by saying this.  BD is not even 2 1/2 yet, so I don't claim to have all the answers or even have it together.  I also want to assure you that this is not about things being easy… because BD is all about getting what she wants and we are learning how to handle that.  What it is about is a perspective change.  

*If there is one thing I have come to know and love about two year olds… they are little sponges.  Everyday they know more words, form more complex sentences, run faster and problem solve better than the day before.  

*If there is a second thing about two year olds that I have learned is that, just like the rest of the human race, they are painfully selfish…. a tragic condition we all inherited in the Garden of Eden, right?  

*Third thing? They do not have the same emotional capacity that adults do…. aka when things do not go their way, they are still learning how to handle it.  We as adults *mostly* know that tantrums don't work and can keep our emotions at least a little in check (though I can admit that I still have my moments).  Two year olds have not mastered that skill.

So it comes down to a perspective change.  

When my two year old does something crazy, am I going to view this as a terrible time or a teachable time?  Remember they are sponges so the ways we react and the perspective we take matters!  

That being said, I know{from experience} this is easier said than done.  But we are striving to keep this perspective.  We as parents have lost our cool, but continue to come back to the great gift God has given us in raising up a child (actually two children now :)).  We are trying to pray and work and TEACH as God has called us :)

Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

So I remind myself each day and in the moments it is hard… to embrace the teachable twos… they are years we will never get back again!

What are your experiences or thoughts on raising toddlers?

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The Perfectly Packed Hospital Bag

Considering little J is about to arrive…  I figured that it is time to actually pack the go bag(s).  By this point with BD, my bag was already packed… so I need to get on this! What to put in your hospital bag is an overwhelming question… but hopefully this list can give you  some clear guidance.

For Mom…

Your packing list is the longest… and it can be shorter or longer depending upon how many things you want to use from the hospital…Bring a bag that is easily organized… go ahead and pack a small rolling suitcase if it is easier, no judgement here. For Labor… 1. Birth plan (and an extra copy or two just in case).   2. Make sure you have your license and health insurance card.   3. Love Your Labor Oil… this stuff is awesome! 4. Birthing ball if your hospital does not provide one.  This is amazing if you are planning a natural birth! 5. Hair ties (that work for you) and bobby pins 6. Chap Stick For After Labor... 1. Nursing bras and tanks.  Some people say you don't need them, but they were my best friend. 2. Nursing cover if you want it.  But be warned it is hard to use the cover before breastfeeding is established… you might have to just figure that one out later.

3.  Your own preference for lanolin (aka nipple cream) if you want it.  The hospital will provide you some (and charge you for it)… so you might want to bring your own.  

4. Nursing pads/soothing gel pads (some wipes or cleaner for those gel pads would not hurt either). Boppy or other nursing pillow.

5. Bottom Spray and/or Bottom Balm.  TMI?  Maybe, but these are some natural products that are awesome! 6. A couple comfy pajamas options.  I would recommend some comfy pajama pants and button up shirts (for easy nursing).  In case of a c-section I packed some one piece options too like button up sleep shirts or nursing friendly night gowns.  Make sure your clothes are comfortable for visitors… you will probably have a few :) 7. Slip on slippers, flip flops and slipper socks… you don't want to be barefoot in the hospital! 8. TMI again… some Depends style underwear.  The hospital will provide you with pads… I just found this ah, easier.  You may want them at home too, or some heavy duty pads.  Oh all the glamorous parts of childbirth. 9. Not fancy, no fuss cotton underwear.  I mean mesh panties from the hospital…ehhhh.  You will use these for a while after too. 10. Zip up jacket or hoody- I wore my almost the whole time I was in the hospital! 11. A robe or two. Everyone told me I would be hot, so I packed a light weight robe.  But it was cold in my room and I am glad I had my heavy robe too! 12. Makeup bag 13. Whatever toiletries you would normally take on a trip- shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor, toothbrush, tooth paste, mouth wash etc. 14. Colace… now this one is definitely TMI… but I think you will be glad you brought this.  I used for the days leading up to labor and after. 15. Prenatals… you still take these after baby! 16. Hand sanitizer to keep by your bed if you are a germ-a-phobe  17. Your things from home- depending upon how picky you are :)… items may include your own pillow (put it in a different color pillow case so it does not get mixed up with the hospitals), blankets, toilet paper, and towels.  I am pretty chill so I did not mess with most of this.  I did bring my Bible, journal and book from home though! For Going Home… 1. Something that is comfortable to wear, thankfully the paparazzi will not be waiting for you, but I am sure there will be pictures!  Make sure that it is still bigger sized or maternity… you will not be your pre pregnancy size going home! I packed a cute outfit, but need up going home at around 8 PM so I just wore pajamas.  

For Baby…

The hospital provides most everything for baby so anything you bring is just for fun or personal preference. 1. Going home outfit.  I had something more expensive before… I think I am going with a cute sleeper this time :). 2. Hats, mittens, headbands, socks and other fun things.  I feel like most of these are for pictures, but we were glad we had them! 3. Wipes.  The ones they give you in the hospital have to be wet.  This does not bother us because we usually use cloth wipes anyways… but you might want to bring some! :) 4. Swaddle blankets.  They will provide, but I throw a few of my own in the diaper bag :) 5. Baby book!  They will sometimes do the hand and footprints for you… and you can start to fill it in while everything is on your mind! 6. Installed carseat… so you are ready to go home.  Some places do a carseat test where your child has to sit in the carseat for an hour before eyou go, so one that has a snap in/out baby carrier is a plus!

For Dad…

1. Snacks… okay, these are really for everyone (especially mom) but make them dads responsibility.  Anything you like… put it in!  Make sure the dads pack something too, because mama is the only one that gets taken care of in the hospital! 2. Water bottle.  Mom gets one from the hospital, but yet again,dad is left out. 3. Comfy shoes, something to sleep in, and a couple changes of clothes. 4. His wallet :) 5. Gum and mints 6. Toiletries- he will be at the hospital with you the majority of the time… don't want to go that long with out a tooth brush ;) 7. Blanket to sleep with in the room. 8. Nice to have- some snacks or treats for the nurses and doctor that is taking care of you!  

Electronics…

Yep! A separate category for this, but I bet you will be glad you have these things! 1. Phone and charger (duh… but you might want to put the hubs on phone duty once you go into labor) 2.Computer and/or tablet and charger.  We will probably pack both… last time I blogged while I was in the hospital (surprise surprise).  We like to use the iPad for netflix and music. 3. And actual camera and charger (go ahead and make sure it is charged now).

For Siblings…

This is a category we did not have to worry about last time… but since we are planning for BD to stay with Andrew's parents until we come home, we will have to pack her a bag too! 1. Directions about daily schedule. 2. Clothes and diapers for a few days (we are giving them a key too in case they need more). 3.  Some favorite or special toys. 4. Toothbrush and bath stuff. *And side note… take everything you can with you!  Extra diapers, wipes, pads etc.  You have already paid for it!

What did you bring to the hospital???

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Guest Post… The Breast Feeding Diaries

This may be in the TMI category for some of y'all… but I know that it has been so helpful to me to hear other women's experiences with things like breastfeeding.  So when the opportunity came up to write a guest post about our experience over at The Girl in the Red Shoes, I said, "Why Not!"

Soooo…. if you want to know about our experience click over!  And you can even find some other women's experiences as well!  Hope you will check it out! BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | BLOGLOVIN'

That Time We Tried the 3 Day Potty Training Method...

***Disclaimer… no worries there are no embarrassing or tmi pictures here (for y'all's sake and BD's).  Just a little bit of our experience.  Have any questions… feel free to be in touch!***

I mentioned on Instagram a few weeks ago that we were giving potty training a shot… giving the 3 Day method a try particular.  BD has shown all the signs for months- going hours between wetting her diaper, telling me "when she goes", overall interest etc etc etc.  And I was prepared right?  I even had a Pinterest board devoted entirely to potty learning.  

So we bought some stickers, M and Ms and "bracelets" (aka pony tail holders) pulled out the plastic potty and said let's do this!  What I did not remember was my little's incredible perseverance and strong will.  So here is how it went.

Day One

I had to work this day and Andrew got the joy of starting us out.  BD actually went in the potty twice.  We were thinking… that's a good start.

Day Two

I was on duty day two and despite tons of positive reinforcement BD only went once in the potty day two and seemed to have less interest than the previous day.  And one time she actually waited until I slipped away to the bathroom and then informed me that she had gone on the floor… coincidence? 

Day Three

I was supposed to man this day, but about half way through strep throat hit me with full force (how did  I get step anyways???)  and I felt like death.  BD was officially anti-potty this day… treats, candy, stickers???? Who cares???  She actually waited for Andrew and I both left the room on two occasions and went on the floor.  Nope… not a coincidence, she knew when she was going and was trying to flex her control in the situation.  Little stinker :). The icing on the cake was when BD threw the potty when Andrew asked if she wanted to try before bed (that's one of the moments where it takes everything in you not to laugh).

So why do I even share all of this???

I think sometimes we see things on the Internet and such that sound so appealing.  I know I had read a dozen blogs on successes of the 3 Day Method and not one about it not working… especially when a child was developmentally "ready."  But sometimes it just doesn't work.  When BD was a newborn, she would not take a bottle for 12 weeks… then one day just did it.  Just before BD was two without any coaxing (I actually was not even ready) BD just said, "No crib, bed!" and has been sleeping in her big girl bed ever since.  

My child is different than yours and the things that work for her may not work for you and vis versa… don't get frustrated… just accept it and work with your child (I am speaking to myself here:))

So where are we now?

Andrew and I were unsure what to do after the whole experience.  Totally put the potty up?  Try while we were home? Ask her periodically? It has been a few weeks and we ended up just talking with her about it a lot.  She knows all the right answers…

"Where do we go pee-pee?"

"In the potty!"

Yesterday she did not want to clean up her blocks and she told me, "I need to go potty."  I know this was totally so she could defer the activity she did not want to do but *for now* anytime she says she needs to go and want to try we let her.  She sat and went!  And I gave her a mini cupcake as a treat since we had some on hand.

Later that evening when Andrew was home from work he asked her if she wanted to try.  She flat out said, "No."  Then Andrew said she could have another mini cupcake, but it was not until he started eating one and would not give one to her that she immediately sat on the potty and went!  This girl can do it and will… when she is motivated.

And that is basically what we are trying to encourage and wait for… her motivation.  And there is no time line (within reason, we don't want to send her with diapers when she gets married or heads to college :)).  Maybe I will do an update in a few months and share with you the 3 Month Method… or some other pearls of wisdom that worked for us!

What about you??? Hoe was you potty training experience???  Would love to hear your thoughts!!!

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To the mom deciding between full-time work, part-time work and staying home… (or will make this decision one day)

When I say "to the mom"… I have come to realize every mom has to make this decision, whether they feel the need to pour over it or not.  And maybe it is not a hard decision for you…  *maybe you are a single mom and have no choice but to work to care for your family. *maybe you work, love your job, make tons of money and can't imagine doing anything else. *maybe all you have ever wanted to do was be a stay-at-home mom. *maybe you have a sweet part-time gig all lined up and already have the balance. But y'all, for me the struggle is real… and I would venture to say I think it is real for a lot of you moms, soon-to-be-moms and maybe-be-moms out there.  You see for me I am, by nature a work-a-holic.  I also struggle with getting my worth from what I do instead of Christ.  So I have always said, "I want to work and I enjoy it."  Then my next sentence would be, "I am willing to sacrifice to be a stay-at-home-mom."  Does anybody else see how these two statements don't really go together?    What else doesn't help.  Is judgement from other mama's out there… or even perceived judgement (sometimes I think we moms think other moms are judging us, but we are really just all trying to figure out this mom thing out!) When we moved two months after BD was born, I thought, maybe I would find a part-time preschool job, make a little money to help ends meet, and be at home with Bailey Drew part of the time.  I thought I wanted something that was a few hours a day, 2-3 days a week, but God provided a 5-day part-time job,  and I decided to try it.  Bailey Drew loved going to school, I enjoyed teaching working, ends were met.  It was the balance and I called myself a part-time stay at home mom.  I am honestly only realizing now how incredibly thankful I am for the position God provided and how perfect it was for our life at that point. Then, a couple weeks ago we moved.  And I had to make these decisions all over again.   We have moved twice since BD was born, so I have had to make this decision twice so far.  Each time hard, and each time has caused me to pour over our priorities, budget, and my heart in the matter. You see, this time, I decided to put my name out there for some full-time teaching gigs.  After a week or two of looking, I ended up taking a similar 5, 1/2 day preschool job.  As soon as I signed my contract for that job (we are talking an hour later), I got a text message and email from a principal to interview for a full-time position.  Two days later another principal contacts me.  These seem like amazing opportunities!  I was torn, bothered.  Did we jump the gun in taking this job?  Or did I jump the gun in assuming I should apply for full-time positions? Well… after evaluating and reevaluating my heart, I feel like the only reason I wanted a full time job was for the money.  Not a good enough reason, right?  I decided for me personally it was not worth the sacrifice at this point in my life.  Will it be different next year? In five years? In ten years? Probably.. and that is okay! :) Maybe you are making this decision today or you will have to make it one day.  Here are some things that helped me.

1.  Prayer… lots and lots of prayer.

Lifting this up to the Lord with my husband and by myself.  Sharing with with my closest friends and asking for their prayer!

2.  Time in the Word and Journalling 

Spending time with the Lord and in His Word is always a necessity… it guides our attitude and decision making everyday!

3. Wise Council 

We talked to our parents and close friends.  One thing that Andrew's dad said to me was, "Stasia, you always said you did not want to work full time when y'all have small children, what has made that change now?"  Whew… what a question, really made me revaluate our situation!

4. Good-old Pro and Cons lists

When I made a pro and con list for this decision, the only things on the pro list for working were 1) money and 2) adding to my retirement years.  Not enough to take the leap.

5.  Trusting that no matter the final decision-God is Faithful

Whether making the decision to stay home full time, work full time, or something in between- trust God He always provides in His time!

Have you had to make this decision?  Was is easy or hard?  How have you seen God be faithful through it?

Toddler Devotions...

Andrew and I want to consistently share scripture with our daughter.  There are a lot of ways to do this and I am sure it will change over the years.  We have tried some different things…  and here is what is working for us right now...  *First, I get up and do my quiet time.  Right now I am reading through Acts and doing the devotion Streams in the Desert
After I study, I journal and pray.  I have found it really helps when I am in the Word… then share with the little :) *When BD gets up, I get her breakfast and set her up in the high chair.  Then I get out The Jesus Storybook Bible, The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers and Baby's First Book of Prayers. *I start with the storybook  The Jesus Storybook Bible.  This Bible is awesome because it clearly connect every story to our need for a savior, every story to the Gospel.  We read one story out of here.  I used to try to do these at night… but the stories are long and I just could not keep BD's attention.  The morning move work (BD must be a morning person like here mama :)). *Then we read The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers.  Each day has a devotion.  We actually checked this one out from the library… so we will actually have to purchase it soon to keep reading it.  They won't let me renew it for the next year :( *Then we read a couple of prayers out of Baby's First Book of Prayers.  These have cute little rhyming prayers that BD loves.  Andrew and I makes sure she hears us praying too, but these are great for her! *Then at night, we try to and the day with a Bible story out of The Beginner's Bible.  These are much shorter and she does better with them at night.  Sometimes they are so short though, that we have to add some important details back in. *Then we pray and go to bed!

What are your quiet time and devotions that you do with your little ones?

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Guest Post: Living in the Promise

Guest post time!  This is Christy at Living in the Promise.  She is near and dear to my heart because she is not only a blogger friend ( not that there is anything wrong with that :)), but she is a face-to-face friend.  She started a working mom group this past year that has been such an encouragement to my life.  Anyways, this is one awesome woman and family that God is using.  Take the time to read her post here and check her blog out!

Hi, there! I'm Christy and I blog over at Living in the Promise.

My simple, little blog started about 4 years ago as a means to document my journey with the Lord. I used it as a space to share the lessons I learned from Him and prayer requests. Over time, the space morphed into a more general, lifestyle blog. And it has sort of shifted back and forth from general life to spiritual lessons ever since.

In the past year, a tiny human has invaded my blog space. My sweet little boy is now 9 months old and is growing and developing at lightening speed, or so it seems. I've used the blog to document his many new developments, beginning with weekly bump shots during pregnancy, to posts about breastfeeding and natural deliveries, to monthly update posts.

Despite this new focus, my space has not lost its true identity. Perhaps even more than before, I find it helpful to have a place to share the many things God is teaching me. If you're a parent, I'm sure you can give me a big ol' AMEN to this--but parenting is not easy! Sure, there are endless joys, but there are struggles, big decisions, things change, you question yourself, your patience is tested again and again, and you start comparing yourself to all the mommies you know--not to mention the mommy bloggers, FB groups, and countless articles about things you never knew you cared about before, like the toxicity of sunscreens and the benefits of coconut oil.

Truly, I have found that the only way to survive this parenting gig is to lean heavily on God as my guide, comfort, security, rest, and source of wisdom. You will never find an article or blog post that is 100% genuine and free of bias. Even scientific data can be skewed. And even when you do all that you possibly can, you will make mistakes. Your baby will bonk his head on a metal grate (true story) or you will accidentally feed him honey baked beans (yes, true again!). Or you'll think you're doing a great job feeding him healthy foods only have a nagging feeling that it's not good enough because it's not 100% organic.

The only thing that is consistently the same, that isn't skewed by bias or personal experiences, that never conflicts and never condemns your efforts of doing your best...is God. He guides me to make wise choices and gives me grace when I make mistakes. In my weakness, He is my strength. When I'm frustrated, exhausted, or wondering what in the world I've gotten myself into...God is the source of my renewed patience and energy, and He reminds me of just how blessed I am to be given the opportunity to be a mommy to this little boy.

So now I talk a little more about the miraculous powers of breastmilk and how mindblowingly advanced my baby is (at least in my eyes!), but this little blog of mine still points straight to God. Because without Him, there is no way I could handle all the rest of my crazy, wonderful life!

Thank you Christy for sharing!!! :)

#girlmom

#boymom.   An about me section that says "proud boy mom."  As my friend Laura (who is pregnant with her second daughter) posted on Facebook the other day,

"This conversation keeps happening: Stranger: "So do you know what you're having?" Me: "Yes! It's a girl!" Stranger: "Oh ok. Do you think you'll keep trying for a boy?" Apparently having my second girl was a failed attempt at a boy. I'll be sure to try harder next time."

Even after we found out we were having a girl, we had our own fears.

I got to our first baby shower and had not registered for a single pink thing… but the shower rained down pink on us.  Not sure if there was anything that we got that wasn't pink!

Have you ever noticed there is a little negativity toward having a girl or multiple girls?  That girls are great, but what you really want is a boy.  

I've never been very girly, but I have chosen to embrace being a girl mom and I love it. That doesn't mean that things are all princesses, pink and bows (although there are a fair share of those things).  It means that we are embracing what it means to raise a girl with all of its fun and challenges.

{How will we let our little girl know she is beautiful, without encouraging her to find her value from her beauty?}

{How will we teach her to have Godly friendships and not fall into the trap of gossip?} 

{How will we teach her the authority of God's Word over the lies of the world around her?}

{How will we show her what it means to be a dad, a mom, a family?}

{How will we encourage her to become a leader, while also teaching her to submit?}

{How will we teach her the value of purity?}

{How will we teach her to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with her God (Micah 6:8)?}

{How will we teach her to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 38:4)?}

These and more questions overwhelm my call as a girl mom.  And honestly, right now I have no idea how we will teach most of things, but I know it will only happen through Christ.

We will have our share of tea parties, but I have a feeling that we will also attend some soccer games.  We will play dress up and build with blocks.  

One day we will talk about boys (don't tell daddy, he doesn't think this day will ever come).

And I am not waiting for a son, I am content for this time to simply raise our daughter.  We are hoping in all we do we will  saturate her life in the gospel and our great need for Christ.

4 Scripture References that Help Us Choose Joy for Our Families and Children

What is the one thing you hear most when you ask parents what they want for their children?

"I just want my children to be happy."

I hate to say it, but I think this is one of the biggest lies and sinful desires that we are buying into for our selves and our children… even if we don't want to admit it.  Being happy shouldn't be our ultimate goal, and it shouldn't be our ultimate goal for our kiddos.  The word happy is incomplete for the description of what we should desire.

1. I think of 1 Peter 5:8-11{emphasis added}

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith,because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

2. And I think about John 16, particularly verse 33 {emphasis added}when Jesus says:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We will have trouble.

Let's not deny it, not sugar-coat it and let's for sure stop acting like we have it all together in our "happy" lives.  And let's make a shift in our thinking and actions for our families from happy to *joyful and content.*

3. Consider James 1:2-12{emphasis added}

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.  For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.   

Being joyful is simply being content in Christ in all circumstances.  

4. Philippians 1:20-22 {emphasis added}

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Simple, yet so difficult.  But I encourage you, take on the challenge, for yourself, your family, your kids.  Stop chasing happiness, they things of this world are fleeting and you will never find it.  Start pursuing joyful contentness in Christ :).

Some thoughts on being a part-time stay-at-home mom...

Those that know me best… know that I am a workaholic.  My husband says I find work to do, even when there isn't any.   I have this desire to be a full-time stay-at-home mom and work full-time… but I know the two cannot simultaneously occur.    This year I am a part-time private preschool teacher.  So I say that I am a part- time stay at home mom (SAHM).  I usually get home at 12:15, and the rest of the afternoon is "my own." I find myself getting frustrated that I am not plowing through to-do lists in this time and getting a ton done.  Many days I find myself at best disappointed, and at worst frustrated that I didn't get more done.  But I have to remind myself that what is getting done is the most important work of all.  It is kingdom work, discipleship and caring for the general safety and well-being a of a human being (that human being is our daughter :)).  I have come to realize that I *cannot* expect to get much done in my child's waking hours.  If I am at home with BD, I am her caretaker, I am doing what daycare workers and teachers get paid to do.  And those people don't try to get other stuff done while watching/teaching the children.. that's laughable. So I have had to learn to be a little more laid back.   To get a little less done. To let the apartment be more messy. To plan less. To be there more. And mostly to spend time and pour into our child, for I am blessed with the time I have with her! I don't know what the future holds for my career- whether I will be a sahm mom, part-time sahm, or working mom.  I just know that it takes sacrifice to raise a child to follow Christ! I'll end with these thoughts from Susanna Wesley (mother of Charles and John Wesley)-  "I am content to fill [just] a little space for God to be glorified… No one can, without renouncing the world, in the most literal sense, observe my method; and there are few, if any, that would entirely devote above twenty years of the prime of life in hopes to save the souls of their children, which they think may be save with out so much ado; for that was my principal intention, however unskillfully and unsuccessfully managed. "

in lieu of gifts...

I was about to post this picture and the thoughts that go with it on Instagram yesterday{please ignore my feet in the picture… it would have looked a lot better if I had posted it on Instagram, oh well}, but as I prayed through it, I felt call to flesh it out, to share our whole heart in this matter.  It made me uneasy and unsure, not knowing how well received it will be in our current society… but I feel called to write it none the less, so here goes… Current state of affairs in the United States: Kids run the show.  I don't even mean this in the traditional way, that they get everything they want {although that might also be the case} but our worlds literally revolve around our children.     We accommodate for their every whim. We protect them from every hurt.  We give them every experience (even at the expense of our marriages and families). Our children's shirts always have their initials or monograms on them (this is the pot calling the kettle black… BD has 3 birthday shirts… Lord help us). Have we ever stopped to ask if ANY of this is preparing them to be disciple-makers… or is all of this telling children to focus on themselves?

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

So goodness gracious… how do we even do this raising children thing in the world today?  How do raise them to have a heart for others, to be kingdom minded? I have been thinking about this a lot with BD's first birthday/party coming up.  Sometimes the preparation makes me feel that we are bordering on child worship… not what we want to do.  We pray that this party will be a CELEBRATION of the year God has given us with Bailey Drew, as well as a PRAYER for her life to be dedicated to following Christ.   So how do we do this… this celebration without nurturing a child's self-centered nature.  To be honest, I don't know, we are still figuring this out and probably will be for the rest of our parenting journey. Sometimes I feel like I am slapping a Bible verse on a bunch of the decorations to assure myself that we  are making this about Christ {don't think this necessarily works ether :[}.   One way Andrew and I feel called to take action in this area is showing BD life is not just about getting  things we want {though she will get presents from time to time- that will not be our focus}, that it is in fact better to give than receive.  We have asked that in lieu of gifts for her first birthday, to give to  World Vision.  Our goal this year is to raise $300 for World Vision.  We hope and pray you will be a part of this… if you want to give, you can do so here.

And as time goes on, we hope for birthdays and Christmases, she will pick ways to impact our community, our nation and the world for Christ.

Do y'all have any other suggestions for discipling your child?

5

one

I have compiled a list of  10+1 things that I have learned from my first year as a mom Really, this might be one of my favorite posts ever.  God has taught me so much this past year… and I know I still have a lot to learn! :)

two

Garage Sale this weekend!!! Hoping for success in selling a ton of junk we don't use anymore :).  If you are in the Augusta area you should stop by!

three

Reading through the Bible in a year… and a little behind on my Old Testament reading. That's okay, I am thoroughly enjoying the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50… you should check it out!:)).  It amazes me when I read the Bible with excitement and not just out of duty. God teaches me so much. Also... I found out HGTV is going a series (reality style like Duck Dynasty) on the Hatmaker family... Jen Hatmaker  is the author of 7... The Bible study I am doing right now. At first when I heard I had kind of mixed feelings, but I started to think God could really use this in big ways! Plus her writing is hysterical... So I hope her life is equally amusing :).

four

Oh preschool… I finally caught up on some of our happenings in this post.  And this week is Dr. Suess week and we did "Wacky Wednesday."  In a rush to get out the door, I completely forgot… teach fail. BUT when we got to school I dug through the school's supply of dress up clothes.  And found this gem.  Please tell me how jealous you are.  I mean I can wear a clown suit to my job… and it is totally okay!

The boots, I know they complete the outfit :)

five

BD's birthday is on the 23rd of this month!  And her party is on the 29th!  If you are in the Statesboro area you should get in touch with me and come! :)