Had to stop in for a minute and share this link to an article I just read.
True Feminine Beauty
By Leslie Ludy
Because pretty much all of us have struggled with it at one time or another in our life time. If we can help the next generation a little more than we were helped then it will be a success.
Blessings to you all- moms, daughters, sisters, wives. May you see now your own TRUE BEAUTY.
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Monday, October 3, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
God's Perfect Timing
Hello blogger world!
This one is so very near and dear to my heart because of how true it is in my life. God's perfect timing in everything that has had me concerned. But, it wasn't until I began to pay attention that I was able to see God's hand at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. Paying attention is key here. Because you will miss it. God doesn't send out a flair when he's about to perform a miracle in your midst. Kinda like when you enter your child's room and clean it for them while they aren't home, or when you wash their clothes and place them in their drawers so they don't have to wonder where their favorite pair of jeans are. (No, I actually never did this.) I do their laundry but, I don't place them nicely in their drawers or pay attention to what their favorite clothes are.. But, you might. That's like God.. when He is working in our lives even when we aren't paying attention. We don't send out a signal to let our kids letting them know when we will clean their clothes, dishes, or the house they live in.. We just do it. Because we know it's healthy, safe, and more pleasing. What a thankless job it is. But because we know better we do it.
One amazing story of this that my DS2 (dear son #2) and I were just talking about the other day.Was when he was in 6th grade. I was at work and he was at school. I can't remember the events of the day but I had the afternoon off from work and thought it would be a fun surprise to stop by the middle school and pick him up for the day. Mother son time. When I drove up it just happen to be a time when classes were changing and I ran into ds2 right outside. (Here is the miracle of the moment) I saw a boy hand him something. Right there right at that very moment I was able to see an exchange to my ds2 that could have altered a future for him. DS2 had this look on his face that screamed guilty. But still wasn't sure what was going on just yet. I asked him if he wanted to check out to hang for the day but his response wasn't what I expected , this child hated school, so for him not to jump on the chance quickly took me back. Then it clicked. In a matter of seconds a million thoughts went through my head, a boy just handed him something, he is acting weird, what should I do, could it be..., what situation did God just place me in? I asked my son for the "thing" in his pocket. Fearing someone would see before I had a chance to get the full story. I stuck it in my purse told him to go to class and I would be checking him out. This also gave me a moment to gather my thoughts. Absorb the miracle that just happened. Plus figure out how I am supposed to deal with this situation so that ds2 has a moment to learn and see just how much God is constantly holding him in his hands every day, all day.
Well, the pill turned out to be nothing. But the boy was telling him it was steroids and would make him stronger. I took ds2 to lunch that day and we discussed how God had placed me there at that particular moment during that particular day and neither of us were even aware we were being guided at that moment by the Creator. We prayed and I told him what he was about to do was a very dangerous thing. Not only for him but, for the boy who gave it to him. We must always be on guard to the world around us. It served as one of the most impactful lessons ds2 could have ever had on his own. It was the most impactful moment a parent could have had. I knew at that very moment I was never going to be alone in my days of parenting or that my husband and I would never be left to try and look after them 24/7 alone. We could trust the God of this universe to help us. We just had to be awake. We have to be aware. We have to be looking for the signs. We must not fall asleep or we will miss it. We will miss the miracles of the hand of God in our lives. Not that He will stop working.. but, we will miss seeing it.
Nothing will build your faith or your love for the Lord more than seeing Him at work in your life or your child's life. Helping you to Grow Graceful Thru Parenting.
This one is so very near and dear to my heart because of how true it is in my life. God's perfect timing in everything that has had me concerned. But, it wasn't until I began to pay attention that I was able to see God's hand at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. Paying attention is key here. Because you will miss it. God doesn't send out a flair when he's about to perform a miracle in your midst. Kinda like when you enter your child's room and clean it for them while they aren't home, or when you wash their clothes and place them in their drawers so they don't have to wonder where their favorite pair of jeans are. (No, I actually never did this.) I do their laundry but, I don't place them nicely in their drawers or pay attention to what their favorite clothes are.. But, you might. That's like God.. when He is working in our lives even when we aren't paying attention. We don't send out a signal to let our kids letting them know when we will clean their clothes, dishes, or the house they live in.. We just do it. Because we know it's healthy, safe, and more pleasing. What a thankless job it is. But because we know better we do it.
One amazing story of this that my DS2 (dear son #2) and I were just talking about the other day.Was when he was in 6th grade. I was at work and he was at school. I can't remember the events of the day but I had the afternoon off from work and thought it would be a fun surprise to stop by the middle school and pick him up for the day. Mother son time. When I drove up it just happen to be a time when classes were changing and I ran into ds2 right outside. (Here is the miracle of the moment) I saw a boy hand him something. Right there right at that very moment I was able to see an exchange to my ds2 that could have altered a future for him. DS2 had this look on his face that screamed guilty. But still wasn't sure what was going on just yet. I asked him if he wanted to check out to hang for the day but his response wasn't what I expected , this child hated school, so for him not to jump on the chance quickly took me back. Then it clicked. In a matter of seconds a million thoughts went through my head, a boy just handed him something, he is acting weird, what should I do, could it be..., what situation did God just place me in? I asked my son for the "thing" in his pocket. Fearing someone would see before I had a chance to get the full story. I stuck it in my purse told him to go to class and I would be checking him out. This also gave me a moment to gather my thoughts. Absorb the miracle that just happened. Plus figure out how I am supposed to deal with this situation so that ds2 has a moment to learn and see just how much God is constantly holding him in his hands every day, all day.
Well, the pill turned out to be nothing. But the boy was telling him it was steroids and would make him stronger. I took ds2 to lunch that day and we discussed how God had placed me there at that particular moment during that particular day and neither of us were even aware we were being guided at that moment by the Creator. We prayed and I told him what he was about to do was a very dangerous thing. Not only for him but, for the boy who gave it to him. We must always be on guard to the world around us. It served as one of the most impactful lessons ds2 could have ever had on his own. It was the most impactful moment a parent could have had. I knew at that very moment I was never going to be alone in my days of parenting or that my husband and I would never be left to try and look after them 24/7 alone. We could trust the God of this universe to help us. We just had to be awake. We have to be aware. We have to be looking for the signs. We must not fall asleep or we will miss it. We will miss the miracles of the hand of God in our lives. Not that He will stop working.. but, we will miss seeing it.
Nothing will build your faith or your love for the Lord more than seeing Him at work in your life or your child's life. Helping you to Grow Graceful Thru Parenting.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Graceful
So, what exactly does GRACEFUL really mean? And how does it exactly fit into parenting?
Graceful:
agile, charming, lovely
graceful means characterized by beauty of movement, style, or form; gracious means characterized by charm, good taste, kindness, and generosity of spirit
So, agile means to move quickly and easily. This makes me laugh because how true it is when you have children that you have to move quickly and easily. Right from birth into adulthood. Think of 5th grade project due tomorrow and it's 8:30 pm the night before or a child who escapes your grasp to run into a street. How about a child who has found them self in a bad situation with friends and needs to be picked up at 10 or 11 at night or that baby trying to take their first steps as you move quickly to soften their fall.
Next is Charming which means pleasant or attractive. Well this certainly can come into play during parenting. More on the pleasant side of things. To be friendly, likable, and polite. All the qualities we desire our children to grow up with. Traits we could model for our children. Think of all the parents of your child's friends. Think about not embarrassing your child in a store because they want to turn in a game for money to get a different game and the man behind the counter is a sham and you want to let him know it as clearly as possibly. (yes, I did this and it wasn't very charming. One of the highlights my boys remember of me).
Then there is lovable. Well, that's almost explainable.But there will be times in parenting when they aren't lovable nor are you lovable. Might be the the most self explainatory but, probably one of the toughest ones to get through when you don't FEEL like it. Try being lovable when you've been up all night caring for a crying baby, or when you have been wondering where your child is for 24 hours or more. Try loving them when they walk through the door with an attitude like "what is your problem." It's easy in the beginning with that sweet newborn baby. Or even that toddler. Their behavior can be "explained away" by just not knowing better. There is even more "grace" for you because your a sleep deprived mom. But come on- after 6 mths it's time to pull those big girl panties up and start acting lovable to the husband even though your body feels like it's been through a meat grinder or you are worn out trying to entertain all day long with no one pouring into your soul. Oh yes, life is hard and it will bring you to your knees many times. The Lord is faithful in showing you just how to love yourself enough to love others who need you.
The older our children get, hopefully, the better we become through all three of these traits. Growing Graceful Thru Parenting will hopefully be a journey you and I can go on together. One where we can learn from each other, pray for each other, and grow Graceful with each other.
I would love to hear your stories if you would be so kind as to share them with me.
Graceful:
agile, charming, lovely
graceful means characterized by beauty of movement, style, or form; gracious means characterized by charm, good taste, kindness, and generosity of spirit
So, agile means to move quickly and easily. This makes me laugh because how true it is when you have children that you have to move quickly and easily. Right from birth into adulthood. Think of 5th grade project due tomorrow and it's 8:30 pm the night before or a child who escapes your grasp to run into a street. How about a child who has found them self in a bad situation with friends and needs to be picked up at 10 or 11 at night or that baby trying to take their first steps as you move quickly to soften their fall.
Next is Charming which means pleasant or attractive. Well this certainly can come into play during parenting. More on the pleasant side of things. To be friendly, likable, and polite. All the qualities we desire our children to grow up with. Traits we could model for our children. Think of all the parents of your child's friends. Think about not embarrassing your child in a store because they want to turn in a game for money to get a different game and the man behind the counter is a sham and you want to let him know it as clearly as possibly. (yes, I did this and it wasn't very charming. One of the highlights my boys remember of me).
Then there is lovable. Well, that's almost explainable.But there will be times in parenting when they aren't lovable nor are you lovable. Might be the the most self explainatory but, probably one of the toughest ones to get through when you don't FEEL like it. Try being lovable when you've been up all night caring for a crying baby, or when you have been wondering where your child is for 24 hours or more. Try loving them when they walk through the door with an attitude like "what is your problem." It's easy in the beginning with that sweet newborn baby. Or even that toddler. Their behavior can be "explained away" by just not knowing better. There is even more "grace" for you because your a sleep deprived mom. But come on- after 6 mths it's time to pull those big girl panties up and start acting lovable to the husband even though your body feels like it's been through a meat grinder or you are worn out trying to entertain all day long with no one pouring into your soul. Oh yes, life is hard and it will bring you to your knees many times. The Lord is faithful in showing you just how to love yourself enough to love others who need you.
The older our children get, hopefully, the better we become through all three of these traits. Growing Graceful Thru Parenting will hopefully be a journey you and I can go on together. One where we can learn from each other, pray for each other, and grow Graceful with each other.
I would love to hear your stories if you would be so kind as to share them with me.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Beginnings
Hello blogger world. My name is Paula and I'm a mom of 3 children ages 19(b), 16(b), and 8(g). I found my love in 2000 and we married in 2002. I had some challenges along the way but I see how it has helped me grow into the person I am today. I admire this love because he was 7 yrs younger than me and he was willing to take on the challenge of a woman with 2 boys. He was willing to take them in and grow with them into a trusting relationship that would prove to be just the blessing we all needed. It wasn't easy by any means. The challenges in the beginning proved to be really tough at times. But he was such a man who was willing to see each trial through. Again, I am so thankful!
I've decided to start this blog because I know I am NOT the only mom out there who struggles with a past and a mom who desires to see her children love the Lord and grow in grace to a healthy adult life. I know I'm not the only one out there who struggles with the battle that rages in this world to devour our children. Some times I want to give up the fight and turn them over and sometimes I want to hold on so tight I can't even breath. I am growing gracefully through parenting and trying to find that balance.
The challenges range so much in my life because of the age gap and gender differences. I know I'm not the only one out there with this issue either. I'm not here to just throw my life out there and hope you will read it and gain some insight but, I hope you will dialogue with me in your own journey of Growing Graceful Thru Parenting. I want to share resources that I find and hope you will do the same. Share your stories in your own life and your own struggles..
When my first baby boy was born and I looked into his angelic face, I knew without a doubt there had to be a Creator in heaven to create such and amazingly beautiful child. I knew that I needed to know this Creator because He was the only one who was going to help me raise him. Thus started my journey not only as a mom but as a Christ follower. I wish I could say it was easy once I found Jesus and that all the questions were answered and my life was a bowl full of cherries. However, that isn't the case. It was a long hard journey of searching for truth, battling the forces of this world, and my own sinful flesh. Living almost 25 years without Christ I truly had some repenting to do and learning to forgive myself was much harder than anything else I have conquered. I can't say today I have finally reached that point almost 20 years later but, I am closer and I am a changed person. Christ has redeemed me and His grace is sufficient for me.. and for you! I share that with you because this is part of the journey. It's an essential part to raising children. Those who don't know Christ personally and have Him living inside of them.. well, all of this is much more difficult without Him. I can't imagine what I would do without the owners manual, The Bible. God has taught me so much about my walk with him through parenting that it's staggering. Have you missed it? I hope not. Because it is there in the pain, joy, and suffering of parenting that I saw my Jesus loving me... with each rebellious act. With every act of sin and defiance. It has been there that He has revealed his amazing Grace and love for his children. You. Me. All of us and our children.
If you are on this journey or just beginning. I hope you will go along with me. The Lord has some amazing things to show us in our daily lives with our children that not only reveals His true nature, but his love, mercy, grace, and compassion for us in this world.
God's grace to you while you are Growing Graceful Thru Parenting!
I've decided to start this blog because I know I am NOT the only mom out there who struggles with a past and a mom who desires to see her children love the Lord and grow in grace to a healthy adult life. I know I'm not the only one out there who struggles with the battle that rages in this world to devour our children. Some times I want to give up the fight and turn them over and sometimes I want to hold on so tight I can't even breath. I am growing gracefully through parenting and trying to find that balance.
The challenges range so much in my life because of the age gap and gender differences. I know I'm not the only one out there with this issue either. I'm not here to just throw my life out there and hope you will read it and gain some insight but, I hope you will dialogue with me in your own journey of Growing Graceful Thru Parenting. I want to share resources that I find and hope you will do the same. Share your stories in your own life and your own struggles..
When my first baby boy was born and I looked into his angelic face, I knew without a doubt there had to be a Creator in heaven to create such and amazingly beautiful child. I knew that I needed to know this Creator because He was the only one who was going to help me raise him. Thus started my journey not only as a mom but as a Christ follower. I wish I could say it was easy once I found Jesus and that all the questions were answered and my life was a bowl full of cherries. However, that isn't the case. It was a long hard journey of searching for truth, battling the forces of this world, and my own sinful flesh. Living almost 25 years without Christ I truly had some repenting to do and learning to forgive myself was much harder than anything else I have conquered. I can't say today I have finally reached that point almost 20 years later but, I am closer and I am a changed person. Christ has redeemed me and His grace is sufficient for me.. and for you! I share that with you because this is part of the journey. It's an essential part to raising children. Those who don't know Christ personally and have Him living inside of them.. well, all of this is much more difficult without Him. I can't imagine what I would do without the owners manual, The Bible. God has taught me so much about my walk with him through parenting that it's staggering. Have you missed it? I hope not. Because it is there in the pain, joy, and suffering of parenting that I saw my Jesus loving me... with each rebellious act. With every act of sin and defiance. It has been there that He has revealed his amazing Grace and love for his children. You. Me. All of us and our children.
If you are on this journey or just beginning. I hope you will go along with me. The Lord has some amazing things to show us in our daily lives with our children that not only reveals His true nature, but his love, mercy, grace, and compassion for us in this world.
God's grace to you while you are Growing Graceful Thru Parenting!
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