Archive for April, 2013

TrAnSpArEnT

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

I'm cursed.  At least that's how it feels sometimes.  I have this problem.  Okay, I have many problems but this one particular problem is a real thorn in my side.  I've tried and tried to change it…..no such luck.  I just live with it and sadly so does everyone who has to be around me.  Sorry, y'all!

I'm too transparent!  Whatever I'm feeling…..everyone around me, knows it.  I can't hide how I'm feeling.  Which can be a little awkward in certain circumstances.  My kids know when something is going down….to split.  For instance, in a store.  If someone is acting inappropriate (like a sales clerk or a screaming child)….it's possible I'll give them a look that says, "GET IT TOGETHER!".  Sometimes, I may even say something like, "Let's get outta here before I say something I'll regret!".

I'm not proud of this problem.  That's why I call it a curse.  Why can't I just be normal?  Why can't I just ignore crazy people and their issues?  I'm sick!  Sick in the people police department.  It's not my business to make people do what's right.  Still, I fret and fume over it when they act nutty.

I don't know where this even comes from other than to conclude that I'm bordering on the edge of prideful and holier than thou.  My heart is janked up.  My own actions embarrass me and then I realize that I'm no different than anyone else when it comes to acting up.  I blunder too.

So, I pray that God would intervene in my brain & heart when I'm tempted to lovingly correct someone or give them a piece of my mind.  I don't want to be that person who wounds with her words or makes others feel like junk just because they're not doing what I think they should be doing.

It's not my job!  It's God who corrects and it's God who expects the best out of His people.  My job is to be His hands & feet and to love with a pure heart.  A heart that's transparent and loving.

What about you?  What's God asking you to admit today that you need to change?

Permission to Fail

Monday, April 29th, 2013

It’s state test time here in Indiana which means lots of pressure on students and staff in the land of education. The state requires high school students to pass this test in order to graduate. So perhaps you can imagine the intensity of emotions…

I count myself very blessed to have kids that not only passed but excelled above the expected scores. They’re smart (like their dad)!

I’ve been thinking about failing lately. Not state tests but regular old life stuff. The things everyone around you pressures you to succeed at whether its important or not. Who cares? What difference does it make in the big picture HOW anyone gets to their dream? The path God has for me (or my children) may not look like yours. And that’s okay!

So, if you are struggling yourself or having a tough time watching your kids scraggle along life’s path… I’m happy to tell you to step back. You have permission to fail and so do they.

Sometimes just knowing the world isn’t going to come crashing down on your head can make all the difference. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Especially in the real world!

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Happy Monday peeps! Only 3 more Monday mornings for me. Not that I’m counting… Hehe

START

Friday, April 26th, 2013

I’m really psyched because my hubby & I PRE-ORDERED Jon Acuff’s new book and it just arrived this week. It’s called Start. Punch Fear in the Face. It’s all about being more awesome and let me tell ya…I surely need some of that! Don’t you?

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I can’t wait to read myself into total awesomeness this weekend. That’s about all I have planned since my hubby will be busy moving his office at work to the new office in another town. I hate moving but I’m always up for a fresh start. So, the next big thing on our agenda?

Sell our house and move closer to the new office. No pressure…yet. No one is forcing us to make any move. It would simply make life much easier to live closer to work, church & school for our college girls. Plus save money!!

I’ll keep you informed in the meantime. First, I have to get Started.

Happy weekend!

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Worry About Yourself

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Sometimes…..oh, who am I kidding?  All the time, we need a good laugh!  This little cutie cracks me up.  I remember the "let me do it" days of mothering.  I also recall trying NOT to laugh in the face of a determined toddler.  They mean business.

[Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A6Bu96ALOw]

The NO THANK YOU part is hilarious! Oh the sweet manners.  She certainly has the determination of a little woman, doesn't she?

Happy Friday eve, y'all!  And really, WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF!

Happy Place

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

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Meet my happy place. It’s where I do my best thinking. In just a few short weeks I’ll be sitting right here solving all the world problems I can handle.

Nice, huh?

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My little buddy & I practiced a bit this weekend. So far so good! How do you like my seat cushion? My girls bought it for me at the farm store. It’s too pretty to come from a place that smells like poopy baby chick troughs but it did. I splurged myself and bought the two cute pillows from Ikea…

See, happy place!

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I did a little of this over the weekend as well. Felt great! I’m all about taking it easy these days.

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I enjoyed watching my hubby work in the yard too. He actually strained his back he worked so hard. Look how much he accomplished on the outside staircase (that seems to never end)!

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Soon he’ll be at the top. Woohoo!

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I feel it’s my duty to tell you this today because Monday’s are a challenge. Make the most of it. Live loud, proud & be happy. Then spread it all over everyone in your way.

Teach them to find their own happy place!

Pushy Moms

Sunday, April 21st, 2013

Have you ever wished your kids were something or someone they're not?  

i am flawed

Do you think they know?

build your kids 

God has entrusted each of us as parents to love & care for our children.  What we say to them and about them fills their hearts and minds. 

critical 2

moderation

I'm still reminded on a daily basis how important my influence is regarding my children.  I have power.  I can bring about positive or negative with just a few words.  I don't want to waste a single second that God gives me to make an impact on them.

I can't hide the kind of mom I've been to my own kids.  I've wished for them and spoken my dreams outloud many times never thinking through the pressure that I was undoubtedly pouring over their heads.

How can we be the parents our kids need us to be? 

Be quiet.  I have the gift of swooping in with my "good intentions" and "advice" when my kids get too close to the edge.  While there may be an appropriate time for that sort of help it isn't necessary for every incident. So, shhh!

Be wise.  I'm also good at trying to intervene in my kids issues WITH MY HAIR ON FIRE!  My response can either make the situation better or worse.  Kids crave consistency especially when it comes to a plan of attack.  Gentle & wise advice will give them the tools for coping in a world that seems to be getting crazier by the minute.

Be positive.  I was trained to find fault in others.  That's not a joke. Instead of giving others the benefit of the doubt, my own mother assumed everyone was guilty of something one way or another.  I unfortunately had some of that spilled onto me and every once in a while….catch myself wallowing in the negative mud.  Kids don't need that from their parents.  Keep it positive & let them know you believe in them….especially when they fail.

Be Godly.  I've said it before and I'll say it again….I can hide who I REALLY AM to everyone I meet, but my kids will always know the truth.  I never want to be seen as wonderful to others and as a fraud to my kids.  The way I respond, the words I choose to use and the heart behind it all will be the greatest influence whether positive or not for my kids.

Lord

Forgive me for being too pushy when dealing with my kids.  Help me to let them choose their own path in life and remind me when I cross the line.  I just want to be the best mom I can be because I know that's what you want for me to.

Amen