Night Time Family Devotions

Deuteronomy 11:18  Fix these words of mine into your mind and being, and tie them as a reminder on your hands and let them be symbols on your forehead. 11:19 Teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road,  as you lie down, and as you get up. 11:20 Inscribe them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates

As part of our daily routine, we always try to have family devotions before bedtime.   And if we miss it, it’s just not the same for kids to go to bed without devotions.  They ask for it.  It’s part of our life.  God’s word is to read, to be cherished, and honored.  They aren’t perfect in paying attention but it’s a tradition, a time they look forward to.  I hope they remember this also when they’re older as a great memory.  We generally have this time in girls’ room.  Once in a while in our bedroom, the living room, or “hang out” room (which is what we labeled the upstairs family room ) and the kids go crazy over this.  Oh the little joys in life!  Sometimes we do devotions at dinner. Sometimes things happen or come up and we don’t get to.  Such is life sometimes, ain’t it?

It’s our responsibilities as parents to teach our children in the way they should go, especially in the ways of the Lord.  We shall teach them the Word; what it says, means and how to live it.  I had a great devotional with the kids this morning as we read Psalm 90.  They may not understand it all now but it’s never too early to start instilling the value and love of the Word and time together as a family in reading and learning it together.  My youngest is 5 and just when I don’t think she’s thinking, she’ll pop up with some comment that has been brewing in her mind that was sparked by something I said or read, and it’s wonderful (aside from being so cute!)

I cherish these times.  The girls almost always want to cuddle with me while we have our devotions and it’s a sweet moment and memory that I hold dear.  May they too, cherish the time and remember it.  If not, they will have this post to read!  Love you guys!

Child Labor, or Parenting?

Lexi washing dishes. winter 2012. 5 y.o.

Some might call this unfair, or even abuse.  Maybe ridiculous.  I call it parenting.  My children have never been strangers to work.  They have been involved with the daily life of household responsibilities since they were young, like 1 year.  Starting off with simple things like picking up toys when you’re done to play with it.  They will grow up and be adults one day.  They should know what it means to work, to work diligently and cheerfully, not unto men but unto the Lord.  They should learn how to clean up after themselves in various ways, according to their capabilities, whether it be after eating, playing or working, etc., adapting as they mature.  My children are not perfect in their abilities and responsibilities, but it’s a process we continually grow in.  And it will be a process for as long as they live, as it is for me.  Just because they have not fully grasped it yet doesn’t mean they can’t.  We all need practice.  Learning anything at all takes either being taught or learning to do it yourself.  Part of that process also takes practice, practice, practice.  It may take us a day, a week, or a year, but by golly, we can do it!  Anything is possible through Christ, right?  Or is that too cliché to include here?

My children (generally) love to help.  It’s not just in the doing, but “serving”.  Christ calls us to serve and the gift we receive in serving is the joy it brings when we’re productive.  Children are no different.  God created us for good works.  I don’t know about you, but I always feel like satisfied when I’ve completed a task.

Anyway, my youngest at age 5 in the video, really wanted to wash the dishes this day.  Well, my girls would do the dishes more often if I let them.  It’s just faster, easier and less messy when I do it.  Well, this day Lexi did a great job.  She scrub that rice pot for probably 3 minutes or more.  It was a clean pot.  She was such so cute.  And I was a proud mommy.

Kira’s Losing Teeth

That’s my sweet girl.

That’s her newest sweet gap.

She lost her top, left lateral incisor.  She was adamant in getting that thing out.  She tugged and wiggled that tooth everyday for the last week since it became loose.  When she asked me to pull it, it slid out smooth.  I don’t know about you, but I like pulling things out.  It was relieving even for me.

Learn the Bible Books

My kids used this video to learn the books of the bible.  My youngest was just shy of 4 and my other daughter was 5 when they learned this.  It’s possible!  And fun!

It was awfully nice of the Bigsby Show to put my girls on their site.  You can see them at Bigsby News and see other things the show is up to on their official website.

It is awesome because it’s not some cheesy kids’ tune.  It’s actually enjoyable for adults too.  It reminds me of the Beatles style music.  It definitely helped me, and still does.  I hope you can learn something too!  Happy singing and learning!

A Heritage to Enjoy

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.   Proverbs 17:6, NIV

I’ve often coveted (God forgive me) the stories some families or sects that have a heritage they can pass on, a glorious story of perseverance and triumph, strength and courage in the battles that have brought them to freedom. I think of the Jews and immigrants that have come to America pursuing the dream of ‘freedom’. I  think of the great stories these ancestors have passed down from generation to generation and how their children share in the glory of great adventures I cannot.

But, I do.  God has written history in a way that no one can imitate.  There were struggles, battles, death, triumphs, vindication, humbling… and we are all a part of this historic story of redemption.  God has created a people for himself.  Although we may not understand the process, we shall know for certain that there is a happy ending; a triumphal redemptive ending that is more glorious than any Hollywood writer could concoct. There is history, story upon story of God’s works through man since the beginning of time and we get to pass it on from generation to generation.  Unlimited stories no one person can regurgitate in their lifetime.

Even though God is sovereign over all things, He uses people to extend and portray His goodness and justice to the world.  As a giver of life, one gift He extends is the gift of life and that for a woman to be vessel of a life-giver through birth, and I am thankful to be one.  I have been given 3 children, all whom I am so thankful for.  They bring me great joy.  I regretfully confess sometimes possibly I may idolize them too much, GOD forgive me.  May God set my heart right in those moments.  But what satisfaction it is to be able to raise a generation unto the Lord.  I seek God in my motherhood; that my husband and I might enjoy a future generation from our children growing in a heritage that the Lord has built upon His own name.

I am not a perfect parent.  I have many faults.  I have lost my temper.  I have disrespected my husband in front of my children.  I have neglected them at times.  I have not always been diligent in my love, discipline or grace.  But by God’s grace, I confess with a humble and broken heart that my children often tell me they love me and what a great mom I am.  I love my children dearly and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.  I would never want harm to come to them.  I shamefully confess that sadly, sometimes they are victim to my sin.  But I pray that when my children are grown, that they would be able to say that they were raised in admonition and love of the Lord.  I hope they will be able to enjoy the heritage of knowing that they were created for a greater purpose than just taking up breathing space on earth; that they are not just a blob blast from thin air living for nothing but their own glory, which may never come.  What is certain is that Christ will return for His own; all will be made new and the world will be perfect and they will get to share in the glory of it all.  Now that’s a heritage to look forward to!

The Apple Falling From the Tree

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”

Like it or not, deny it or not, kids tend to reflect their parents. If you have ever said to yourself, or to someone else for that matter, “where does he get it from?”  First look in the mirror.  This takes some personal reflection.  Whether intentional or not, kids learn by watching.  They hear things we may think they don’t.  Ever try to be inconspicuous in a conversational reply to someone in the midst of loud kids only to find them quiet and wide eared at that very moment?

The good, the bad, the ugly.  When I see things in my kids, like maybe a quick temper, quirks, compulsive behaviors, reactionary remarks or actions that I question or don’t like, I try to think and look to myself first (or my husband).  Are we setting a bad example?  Children are like sponges, they absorb so much around them.  And sometimes, unknowingly.  They may not mimic your exact attitude but they can have their own twisted way of portraying behaviors learned.  I tend to be OCD and some anal tendencies and I see my kids developing their own.  I think we all do to some degree.   Some are more pronounced than others.  Sometimes I can laugh about them, other times I want to grind my teeth till they fall out!

Sure, kids grow and develop their own personalities, but I can’t imagine for one second that a parent does not have the influence in their child’s behaviors.  Are your kids obnoxious?  Are you obnoxious towards them when you talk to them or others?  Do your kids use manners?  Do you?  Are you consistent in teaching them what you believe to be right?  Or do you just drop a quip here and there.  Just like anything learned, it takes practice. Practice together what it means to be kind, polite, honest, cheerful, encouraging.  Sure, it’s hard to teach a dog new tricks, but it’s never too late to undo what’s been done.  Don’t believe the lie!  Sure, it’ll be a harder task, but not impossible.

Now of course, when your children exude sweet joy and personalities of fun and honorable character, we may tend to what to attribute it all to us.  But you gotta take the good with the bad.  You can also be honest and look in the mirror and ask yourself, are you the example by which your children will one day thank?  Keep pressing on!

Being a parent is a persevering job and it’s the best job a mother can have.  It’s got its grueling moments and its peaceful successes.  It takes a lot of patience, persistence, consistency, courage, strength…  the list goes on.  May the sufficient grace He provides help you persevere in daily self-denial, self-reflection and honorable training of your children.

Who Done Did It? Not Me.

Ever find a mess and ask your kids who did it and they all say “not me”?  Last year in one of our language lessons, there was a poem called “Mr. Nobody” which basically describes this very thing.

We may have a day of exchanges that goes something like:

Who made this mess?

Not me.

Who used the last of the toilet paper?

Not me.

Who spilled the water?

Not me.

Who didn’t flush?

Not me.

Who left the light on?

Not me.

Of course not. It must have been Mr. Nobody.”

Of course these are not the most terrible things in the world but teachable lessons nonetheless.  They have come to know Mr. Nobody well and we joke about it sometimes.  But since Mr. Nobody never comes back to clean it up, wipe it up, or pick it up; guess who gets to do it for him? That’s right. Mr. Nobody’s friends, “not me”.

 

Ron Paul Revolution Kids

Indoctrination?  Of course!

It seems they like the rhythm and the rhyme. I think they like the idea of personal liberty even better.

It seems ‘indoctrination’ is only used as a negative term when it opposes one’s view or belief.  If we mean by ‘indoctrination’ as a teaching, then we are all indoctrinated to one degree or another.  Dare I call it… ‘parenting’?  OOOO, no she didn.  Oh yes I diii.  Liberty allows me to teach my children as I see fit, and you yours. But, you will be held accountable, so teach carefully.

Why Stay at Home?

Recently, I decided to call a family member to catch up b/c I hadn’t been in touch in a long time. These were some questions posed to me: “so do you have a job yet? so all you do is stay at home? and do what? take care of your kids? that’s it? you’re not going to do anything else with your life? don’t you want a job and do something else with your life? don’t you want to help your husband make money to take care of the family and make a better life for yourself? well, if that’s what makes you happy.”  Only family can talk to each other like that and still remain on talking terms. Seriously.

Thankfully my rest in Christ frees and secures me from such ideas or comments. I have no shame in the world knowing that I’m an ‘at home wife and mom’. What is this world coming to? Are gone the days of value of the home? Who else should be taking care of my kids, my husband, and my home? Too often is the world telling us to just “outsource”.  “Go ahead, give yourself a break. You deserve it. You don’t have to do it. Just pay someone. You’re better than that.”  Really?  Are you really “too good for that” or are you just too lazy and ungrateful?

Now, I’m not totally dissing getting help and assistance sometimes, working outside the home  and taking a break now and then, but it should all come with discretion and boundaries.   This notion that the home is the last place woman should be anymore is disgraceful.  Where do you go when you want to rest?  Home.  Where do you go to find peace?  Home.  Where do you go when you’re done vacationing?  Home.  Dorothy said it right, “There’s no place like home.”  Ain’t that the truth.  Families- do what you can for women to value their time at home. When we believe the lies we are fed, everyone telling us we ‘deserve’ this and that, we can become bitter thinking we aren’t getting what is rightfully ours when it is all about the perspective.  When feelings are conjured up about what we “should” have, what we are  “entitled” (the latest buzz), and don’t get it, it’s easy to conclude that it’s just “not fair”.  Oh please. Get off your high horse and embrace the nitty gritty of life and be thankful that you have hands to clean, eyes to see what you’re cleaning, legs to get you around that nice shelter you call home and remember that  you aren’t living in a cardboard box eating leftovers out of the trash. Give thanks for the running water that comes out from the twist of a knob. Be thankful that you have choices. You got problems?  Oh, you didn’t find the right paint color for your kitchen walls?  Poor you. Let’s pass on the pity party. Do what you need to do and be thankful you have the resources to get them done. You can go to the store, a “Dollartree” even, for things those people who worked to make them probably couldn’t afford- for $1. plus tax. Oh, you got pepperoni instead of sausage on your pizza order? Chill out. It’s not the end of the world. Count your blessings.

I have taught my kids from the beginning that they eat what they are served and be thankful for it. Result is they like most things. There are things they don’t like but they eat them anyway (moderation may be granted) and it doesn’t take them all day to do it.  I do not take well to picky eaters who complain and whine about food.  Eat what you’re served and give thanks for it.   I was raised that way and I’m thankful for that.  Yes, thankfully, we also have choices in food selection.  Freedom to choose. But what if we didn’t?  Would the world be a cruel place?  Would God be mocked?

My husband and I had to laugh when John MacArthur said he should have spanked his kids harder for ungratefulness than anything else. But in all seriousness, we are spoiled. Are we raising a spoiled generation? A generation who cares too much about material wealth and appearance than the heart?  I think this is a heart issue. Ungratefulness will breed discontentment.  And discontentment will breed complaining. And etc…

Part of staying at home means loving my family; means feeding my family; means cultivating a nice home for us to dwell together in joy, teaching and training the future generation (my kids) a right perspective about love, discipline, thankfulness, manners, truth, honesty… among many things. My list can go on for miles. Maybe one day I could finish this list. Maybe.

Ok, I’m not saying I’m perfect at this or anything. I’m a jack of many trades. I’m not sure if I’m master of anything. Surely not. Pursuing and enduring in perseverance towards the goal of serving the Lord through all these different roles is a challenge I’ll admit to.  But it is not to say it’s impossible. I’m going to plug what we Christians shouldn’t so much view as a cliche, but risking that, here it is: nothing is impossible with God. I have to constantly remind myself that a big part of it is [perspective]. Leaning on and trusting God is number one.

HEY WORLD!  I’M A STAY AT HOME WIFE AND MOTHER. You got a problem with that? Too bad. I was born for this.  God told me so. (Ooo, did I just dare say that!?)

My name is Mimi and I approve this message.

Dear Lexi,

We went out to eat for an early birthday dinner to Golden Corral tonight (Monday, 1/9).  As we were getting food, an older gentleman stopped me to tell me “If you haven’t been told already today, your little girl is so cute”.  I must say, that was pretty sweet.  You tend to have that effect on people.

You have such a great personality.  You are wildly entertaining, joyously loving, contagiously humorous, and sweetly affectionate, just to begin.  Of course you’re not perfect.  You have your momentous fits of anger, disobedience and selfishness.  That just makes you the sinner that we love.  But life wouldn’t be the same ‘without you’.

That’s another thing.  On Sunday, an old song was on the radio, “I can’t live, if living is without you…” And as we were having fun with the chorus, you’ve carried on the fun telling knock-knock jokes with it.  “Knock, knock.

Who’s there?

With.

With who?

Without yooooooooooooooou!  and you laugh hysterically.

As I think many children go through phases of fascination with poop and butts, you are among them.  But you have a cute little butt, and you know it because we tell you all the time.  You are a petite little girl, so it makes everything about you so small and utterly cute.  You have the cutest little voice.  Many others have told me the same.  While we all shiver and coo over your cuteness, you definitely have come to knowledge of it and use it to your advantage.

You’re a natural at piano.  You’ve taught yourself 4 Christmas songs this past Christmas season, by ear.  What beauty in seeing you blossom at the joy of playing piano.  My heart has been blessed with sweet joy watching you grow.  I love you so much.  Yet God your creator loves you even more.  I can’t even fathom that.  Simply beyond my limited comprehension.

I love you little stinker.

-Mommy