Little Hands

Used by permission from Proverbs 31 Ministries 

Little hands to hold so tight. Hair to comb, and tears to wipe. Little feet that grow so fast. Teeth to brush and bedtime baths. Little cups that must be filled. Teething rings that must be chilled. Little dresses, spin and twirl. Little hair bows, little curls. Time is fleeting, oh so fast. What was just here, is now the past. Little hands that needed me. Now need me less, I start to see. She ties her shoes and combs her hair. Picks out her clothes, knows what to wear. She grabs her doll, heads to the door. I smile, she's still a little girl. We're at the park, we play pretend. She tells me I'm her favorite friend. Who, what, when, where, why and how? She needs to know these things right now. So full of life, so full of love. This gift sent from the Lord above. She's older now, my little girl. She's learning more about the world. Each night I ask the Lord above, to help me teach her how to love. There's so much that she needs to know, and I'm still learning as I go. Please, Lord... PLEASE help me get this right. I beg, as I lose sleep at night. Precious soul, undefiled. Lord, guide me as I raise this child. What just happened? Can it be? My little girl is now a teen. No more dolls, and no more bows. That happened fast, where did time go? Help me to listen patiently, as I instruct her, Lord guide me. May my words be gentle and kind. Loving, sincere, pure and wise. Her time at home, will soon be gone. It sure did fly, but it was fun. Her bags are packed and by the door. She's off to face a whole new world. It seems like only yesterday, as I would rock her… she would say. Just one more story, pretty please? Please would you read one more to me? Then I would tuck her in her bed, and kiss her on her precious head. No more ballet, no more tee ball. No more measurements on the wall. Today she'll leave this cozy nest, and spread her wings, and give her best. Five years later, long white dress. My heart is full, I am so blessed. My little girl, a woman now. So full of grace, I am so proud. A handsome man, I'll call my son. I've prayed for him, since she was one. Thank you Lord, for hearing me. For strengthening our family tree. Two young lives will now be one. A new love story has begone. Two years later, by her bed. The doctor says, he sees a head. A baby girl, wrapped up in pink. My daughter reaches her to me. I close my eyes, and smell her hair. The tears they fall, without a care. I lay her on my daughter's chest, The years ahead will be her best. It's true, she may not know it yet. But she will soon, that I can bet. Little hands to hold so tight. Hair to comb and tears to wipe. 

 {From our friend Vicki at Sit Down and Take a Brake: http://victoriabrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-poem-little-hands.html?spref=fb

Sending My Babies Back into the World

Used by permission by Alicia Miller

August is always a hard month for me. It’s the month I have to send to my babies back into the world after being home with me all summer. There is something about sending them out into world after they have been safe under the covering of our home that gets to me. Things happen in their day once school starts back up that I have no first hand knowledge of and they come home a little different than they left. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ God brought this to my attention this morning ... For weeks this plant in the picture below has only had 2 flowers on it, today it has 14 flowers. I’ve kept it on my covered screened in porch, safe on a table, while it gets the what I thought was the perfect amount of sun and controlled water by using my watering can. A few days ago, it was obvious by the dark clouds in the sky and the sound of thunder that it was going to storm so I set it out on my uncovered patio to receive the rain. We get some fierce afternoon thunderstorms so I worried while I was gone that the wind and hard rain could have been too much for this seemingly delicate plant. When I came home, the sun had come back out and it appeared to be watered, nourished and vibrant. I moved it back to safety of the covered screened in porch. Each day since it was in the storm a new flower has bloomed and it is finally starting to fill out. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Maybe, just maybe, the rain and storms, the trials and heartaches, of this life in my children’s path are also necessary to produce fruit (or flowers). Safety in my home is good for rest and for Him to lay foundational roots. However, when I let them enter the rain, and even the fierce storms on the outside, perhaps that is when He can flourish through them and the fruit produced will bloom and be most evident. They (we all do) need the time in safety under covering but they also need to enter the storms and allow Him to hold them up in the rain and wind - after all that is where endurance is built and tried. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ So, next Monday, when two of mine return to the overcrowded school hallways and the building to learn things that I am not equipped to teach them at home, I will remember these truths that He imparted in me. They may face storms but they will also receive nourishment, there may be the gusty wind of trials but He is strong enough to keep them upright, there will also be joy when the sun shines on them and He will produce vibrant beauty through them for all to see. Then, they will return to our house, He will continue to give them rest and restoration under the covering of our home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (Please know I’m not a debating or even implying that brick and mortar style school is always best. I have two that are returning to the building and one college age child that will be home with all online classes. Just as plants’ care instructions are all different according to each individual plant type, so are His Holy Spirit’s instructions for each individual child based on their specific needs. This was just a message He gave me today about my children that I thought might relatable to others’ situation as well.)

When Did We Stop Letting Kids Be Kids?

by Brie Gowan
http://briegowen.com/2018/03/20/when-did-we-stop-letting-kids-be-kids/

Used by permission

March 20, 2018 by brieann.rn@gmail.com

I know I’m not the first person to have taken notice of how much the education system has changed over the past 10-20 years. Most people within my age bracket, who grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, can see a huge shift from how things were when they were little compared to how they are now. I can recall being in kindergarten in California very well. I got out at noon, and I learned how to tie my shoes. We took naps and played with clay. We got to have fun, be creative, and learn how to treat others. We were allowed to be normal five year olds. My question is, is that changing?
I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert on the public school system at this current time. I do not have my children enrolled in the public school system so I can not rely on personal experiences. What I can rely on is observation of friends whose children are. So this isn’t written from any expert platform, but rather simply an opinion based on interactions with my parenting peers. It’s also not a dig at the public school system in particular. This is actually my concerns over public mindset nowadays. When did we stop allowing kids to be kids? And when did we start expecting more from children than they are developmentally capable of achieving?
Over the past five years or so, and since becoming a parent myself over seven years ago, I’ve noticed the concerns voiced of other mothers around me. I see their questions, their searching for camaraderie and advice, their fears over if they’re doing it right, doing right by their children, and making certain their child can measure up to the standards set by the tribe at large.
I see and hear conversations like:
“Does anyone know what my preschooler needs to know before they start school?”
“My daughter never went to pre-K! Is she going to be terribly far behind?!”
“Looking for a good learning app for my two year old. What do you recommend?”
“Is ABC Mouse worth the money per month?”
“What kind of books can I buy for my four year old to get him ready for school?”
“My five year old can’t read! What are we gonna do? Are they gonna hold her back?!”
“What’s the best pre-k program out there? Who do you recommend?”
“I can’t seem to get my daughter to do her homework!”
And you know the kid is five.
“My son can’t be still in class! I think he has ADHD!”
And you know the kid is five. Or six, for that matter.
I see so many concerns over reading fair projects (that the parent totally completes), mediocre grades, worries over too many sick days taken, and so much more. I see moms cry when their five year old gets on the school bus far too early, without enough sleep, for a nine hour day, that most of the time no longer allows a nap midday.
I see friends worried over their second grader’s math scores, and I wonder if we’re perhaps a bit too concerned? Now, I’m all about education. I hold a higher degree, and because of that I have chances in my career I would not have had otherwise. I love to read, and I think an extensive vocabulary and proper grammar is a positive attribute to hold. But I wonder if we’re taking it too far, too soon?
For example, in some westernized countries children do not begin formal education until age seven, and I can totally see why. Four, five, and six years olds are still deeply discovering the world around them. They’re learning to deal with their emotions and interact with others. They’re creating relational characteristics that will help lay the foundation for the kind of adult they will be. They don’t need adult stress; they have enough to deal with in the way of child stress. There are so many unknowns, lessons, and daily discoveries they are making. We really don’t need to impede on that too much.
For young children learning should be mostly about play. They should be seeing that learning is fun, that discovery is adventure, and that it’s not a race to achieve, a box to check, or a test to complete. Reading should be for pleasure, not a painstaking chore, and this is something I had to understand early on in the education of my own children at home.
All kids are different, and they learn differently. Young children like to move around, their attention spans are short, and the older child box we try to squeeze young learners into isn’t the best for their development in my humble opinion. We as a society shouldn’t be so stringently expecting three years olds to know all their ABCs and 1,2,3s, or requiring prerequisite goals to be met prior to kindergarten. I could be wrong, but to me it seems that five year olds must know much more in school than they did when I was five. My question is how much better is a child for having this knowledge sooner? Are their career opportunities really that much more available if they can read by five or six instead of seven or eight? And who made these new gold standards? Who decided little kids that barely reach their teacher’s waist should be doing homework pages after an already too lengthy day?!
Maybe I’m too relaxed. Maybe you think I’m off my rocker, or that my kids will end up making nothing of their lives. I guess I’m just wondering who decides what outcome is worthwhile? Perhaps every child won’t go to college, and that’s okay. Some children may become neurosurgeons, while others will prefer an apprenticeship in a technical field. Isn’t that ok too? Will sitting five years olds in a desk for eight hours to complete worksheet after worksheet really produce the best outcome for future academic excellence? I say, hogwash. I say, let them be kids.
I say, let them run. Let them stand, sit, jump, and play. Let them discover the world around them. Let them ask questions, and be available for the answers. Let them observe their surroundings and create conclusions. Gently guide those experiences. Let them nap! Let them sleep in! Let them do structured, sit-down work for short bursts of time, and throw away the homework! Let their brains absorb all they can, but then also allow them time to decompress and unwind. Allow them the time to process all the new things they’re taking in.
But most importantly, we need to check ourselves. We need to stop worrying if our preschooler is at the right reading level, or if they’re measuring up. They’re three and four years old, for goodness sake. They have the rest of their lives to worry about deadlines and schedules. We need to stop creating this invisible yardstick that our young children must measure up to, or we’re the absolute worst parent in the world! Who cares if Michelle’s precious daughter can read already?! She also eats her boogers and pushes other kids in line!
Here’s what your children under seven absolutely need to know to be successful in this life:
They need to know how to love others.
They need to understand compassion.
They need to see the hurting, and help those kids.
They need to treat others like they would want to be treated.
They need to understand there’s more to life than their own backyard, that they’re not the most important kid in the world, and that they will mess up. For that they’ll just need to fess-up, say they’re sorry, and learn from their mistakes.
They need to know that their parents love them, are proud of them, and that they are unique. That they’re not held to a state standard, a society standard, or an unrealistic standard.
Again, they’ll need some reinforcement to treat others well.
Perhaps if we focused more on these things at an early age and less on perfect phonics and addition then there would be a lot less bullying in schools. Maybe we’re focusing on all the wrong stuff. Have you ever watched little kids when you let them loose on a playground? Like when they’re around four or five? Sure, there may be some problems sharing, but more than that is this amazing ability to coexist. When my kids go somewhere in public they’ll quickly make friends with children they’ve never met, regardless of color or socioeconomic background. There’s no judgement. There’s no preconceived notions. There’s just pure, human interaction in its best form. All children are born that way. But we as parents and society beat that out of them. We show them that things that aren’t really that important are important. Then we teach them that the important things don’t really matter. It’s like we pick calculus over compassion, and we drain the passion and natural tendency to explore the world around them right out of our children. Most average seven years old will know how to read, but they’ll miss the words on the sign of the homeless man on the street corner.
What really happens when we take away the childhood of our children? We take away their childlike faith and compassion. Then we replace it with all A’s on their report card and a first place ribbon in the science fair.

Reflections of a Preacher’s Wife: Post-it Note #158

by Connie Post
July 19, 2015
http://graceintherealworld.com/ - Used by permission

Today is my 18^th wedding anniversary. My husband was already a preacher when I married him and so my life has been on display before a congregation of people since before I said “I do”. All these years later we have ministered in many settings to multiple congregations and have been blessed with 5 great kids.

We have been supported and loved and prayed for by the people of our congregations. They have celebrated our victories and walked with us through some dark and challenging days. Those folks who have made a difference for us are the ones that know the following things:

1. The preacher’s family is a real family. They don’t have it all together. They are sinners just like the rest of the world and can’t be held up on a pedestal or unrealistic standard. They blow it sometimes. They lose it with their kids. They are learning as they go, just like you are. Sometimes their house is a wreck. Sometimes they need a break or a vacation or time away. They don’t know the answers to every question. They need your prayers for wisdom.
2. The preacher’s kids are kids. They act like kids. They might run at church if Mom isn’t watching. They don’t come into the world knowing how to act. And when they are at church their dad is working so mom is a “single-mom” on Sunday mornings. If you talk to her at church expect her to be looking over your shoulder while listening so that she can keep her eyes on her kids. Because EVERY unsupervised kid wants to jump on the stage or swing from a chandelier whether they are related to the preacher or not. They need your prayers to balance it all.
3. Preacher’s kids give up their dad a lot. They share him with everyone. Mom is often the one teaching them to ride bikes and taking them to recitals and soccer games because Dad is ministering to the church family. So it’s likely they didn’t see dad all day Saturday and greeting time on Sunday is the first time they’ve seen him in a while. If they go hug their dad on Sunday morning, it’s because they need too and not because they are trying to interrupt “real ministry” to the church. Preacher’s come and go, but he’s the only Dad they have. The preacher’s family doesn’t get a quiet holiday at home. Dad is planning an event for the church family to come to.  So if the preacher’s kids seem tired, clingy or out of sorts, they need to be given a little slack. They need your prayers for strength.
4. The preacher’s family is under attack. Satan loves to trample on the preacher’s family. He comes after their marriage, their kids individually, and their family unit. He is constantly trying to distract them and cause disunity. And often Saturday night or Sunday morning is when he takes his best shots. So maybe the kids aren’t all dressed to the nines and their hair isn’t smooth as glass on Sunday morning. Maybe mom is looking a little frazzled. She got those kids dressed by herself and out the door and maybe what she’s wearing at the moment is the best she could do on this particular morning because she was so busy fighting the devil to even get there. Judgment never helps the preacher’s family. It only adds to Satan’s schemes. They need your prayers for protection.
5. The preacher may be a godly man, but he’s still a man. You can’t expect more of him than he can give. And the preacher’s wife may be a godly woman but she’s just a woman with limitations too.  Sometimes she has to say “no” to the lists of tasks and responsibilities that others want from her. Her number one priority is her family. She can’t apologize or feel guilty for that. It’s hard to make choices like this, because nobody want to say  “no” to people they are called to minister to and yet don’t want to short change their family.  It’s a constant tightrope.  They need your prayers for stamina.
6. The preacher’s family answers to God for their actions, their parenting, and their ministry. They shouldn’t be expected to act according to the standards of individuals in the church. They can’t parent their kids according to the way others parent. They should be allowed to minister according to their spiritual gifts and not according to the list of expectations of what a preacher of preacher’s wife or preacher’s kids should do, look like or be like. They need your prayers for courage.
7. When they go through a tough time, they need your support. It’s hard to struggle publicly. It’s hard to live in a “fish bowl” for everyone to watch. They need your love and they need your prayers.

The Little Things

by Sheila J. Petre - Used by permission

    

Sometimes I weary of the little things, the relentless role of referee, Isaiah in our bed at two in the morning, Isaiah back downstairs at two in the afternoon, the sticky cake-sprinkle containers, the memory game with only two matching sets left, Laurel's endless "What should I do now?", the plugged vacuum cleaner hose, the little notch in the silverware drawer where Rachael sawed a knife against it, a broken fingernail clippers, the burp cloths in the drawer I used to keep the candles in, promising gladly to do something only to find myself under Michael's disapproval, losing the checkbook, losing my temper.  I used to be able to keep them both so nobly!  Stuffing size-one baby clothes into the drawer still too-full with newborn sleepers, reading thirty-seven books in one week, including Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake a Cake nine times, putting thirty-seven books back on the shelf for the second time in one morning, the three uncut threads dangling from the end of the sleeve of a dress I sewed eighteen months ago, not being able to afford boneless skinless chicken breast, the marbles which nobody but Allegra can find, being asked where to find scissors when they have six pairs and two are right under their noses, being asked what I'm doing when I'm kneading bread, the cracked highchair tray, feeling guilty for buying disposable diapers, Joshua's thumb where his broccoli should be, the drain-catcher full of flotsam right after I took out the slop...so many things I can do something about and so many things I can't...

 

"When people like me tell you children are only in your home briefly, believe them!" wrote an older mother in a letter I got yesterday. And this younger mother presses her hands together and squeezes her eyes shut but it doesn't send the prayers further or keep the tears back.

 

Sometimes Michael, in a few simple sentences, explains five difficult verses in the book of Romans; sometimes I walk across the floor with Allegra, esteeming the weight of an entire person in my arms, sometimes Isaiah really does go potty in the potty chair, sometimes both of Joshua's dimples show at once, sometimes Laurel asks a question which proves she understood that Bible story, sometimes I look into Rachael's eyes and she giggles, and I take a step back and crack the only pink cup we had left and it doesn't matter.

 

I sit down with my nursing baby and write down all the little things I weary of, pause a moment, and add a few things to balance those, reassured by the way the scale tips sharply in Motherhood's favor; at how little a sticky cake-sprinkle container weighs.

 

I write these things for the days these children, here such an endless briefly, are gone and I can read both lists and find them both positive, transformed by the perspective of the years. Perhaps then I will press my hands together again--and be wise enough to cry.

 

25 Special Ways to Spend Time with Your Child

by Lisa Jacobson - February 3, 2014 - Club 31 Women (a passion for husband, home and family) - Used by permission
http://club31women.com/

 

He was a young man by then. Seventeen. Nearly grown and gone.

 

And at the time his mountain bike was a big part of his world. He had built it himself, piece by piece, and was anxious to take it over to the bike shop to get the necessary repairs.

 

Realizing this, I had put it on a long list of other errands I needed to run. That week was so busy that my head was spinning, so you can imagine the relief when my husband offered to go into town for me. Yes, please! And, I’ll love you forever.

 

But I saw our son’s face fall. Disappointment clear across his countenance. Not understanding, I reassured him that his dad would drop off the bike too and all would be well.

 

And then this came out of his mouth. Out of his heart. “But Mom, I was really looking forward to spending the time with you.”

 

Oh.

 

He doesn’t simply need a ride to the cycle shop. He’s not merely looking to have his bike repaired. He wants a relationship with me. His mom. Even at seventeen. A relationship that began from a very young age.

 

Surprising.

 

That a son – nearly grown and gone – would want to hang out with his mom. But that’s how our friendship began, by simply spending time together.

 

Now in case you haven’t experienced it yet? The years slip by faster than you think they will. The next thing you know that little boy – or little girl – is all grown up. Just like this. So don’t wait. Spend time together.

 

25 Special Ways to Spend Time With Your Child

 

1.    Fix a cup of tea
2.    Drive up to the lake
3.    Find a fun playground
4.    Play a board game
5.    Go for a drive
6.    Stroll along the river
7.    Share a bowl of popcorn
8.    Work on a craft together
9.    Ski down the mountain
10.  Go out for an ice-cream cone
11.  Watch an old – or new – movie
12.  Head over to the library
13.  Dip into some frozen yogurt
14.  Attend a music concert
15.   Head up for a hike
16.   Sip on a cup of hot chocolate
17.   Cheer together at a sports game
18.   Take a walk in the park
19.   Sneak out for some breakfast
20.   Go window shopping
21.   Plan a special trip somewhere
22.   Put together a picnic
23.   Bake something yummy in the kitchen
24.   Build a project – just the two of you
25.   Curl up in a quiet corner to talk and laugh

 

Take the time now. Before they are truly grown and gone. Because what do your children really want? They want a relationship with you.

 

*This list is a follow-up to the post: 10 Strong Reasons to Set Aside Time With Your Child

Moms: You Are Building God's Kingdom

by Kari Kampakis© - Used by permission

 

"Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise." - Andy Stanley

Lately, I haven't felt very productive. In fact, for multiple nights I've gotten in bed and realized I didn't accomplish half of what I planned to that day.

As a mom, I've learned to come to peace with these days. I've learned to feel good about unproductive days if the reason I'm unproductive is because I'm caring for my family. It's taken me a long time to get here. I'm a hard evidence kind of girl, after all. When I work hard, I want proof.

But what proof remains when we love our kids in ways they care about? When we tuck them in bed at night... read with them...listen to their day...help with homework...go to special school events....take them to dance and gymnastics - is there any evidence after the fact? The reason we moms discount what we do is because many of our best contributions vanish into thin air. When they're over, they're over. We can talk about them, but often there's nothing concrete to point to.

What we need to remember is our efforts do have proof, proof that gets planted in a hidden place: the hearts of our children. That's where the seeds we instill take root and grow - first into acorns, and then, miraculously, into oak trees. It takes many, many years for an acorn to become an oak tree, but that's how the kingdom of God works. In due time and often invisibly.

So next time you're wondering what you have to show for your life, or feeling incapable because you can't manage a simple to-do list, ask yourself this: Have I loved my kids today? Is the reason I'm behind because I took care of more important business? If your answer is, "Yes," pat yourself on the back. Go beyond feeling good about your day and feel PROUD because you helped build the kingdom of God.

Any day you do that is an official success. Any day you do that is a reason to celebrate.

 

A Dozen Ways to Reach Your Son's Heart

by Lisa Jacobson - http://club31women.com/2013/07/a-dozen-ways-to-reach-your-sons-heart/

Used by permission  

In the September "Heart to Heart Newsletter,"  look for "A Dozen Ways to Reach Your Daughter's Heart!"

 

He was nearly sixteen.

A young man with much on his mind and much to do. His days were full with school, friends, sports, dreams and goals.

And his goal on that day was to get to the bicycle shop. So I’d offered to take him there since I had to run into town anyway.

But I was pressed for time, so the plans changed and his father said he could take him in rather than me. Problem solved. Then imagine my surprise when I watched our son’s face fall. He was going to be able to get his bike fixed – didn’t he understand that?

He explained rather quietly, “But I was looking forward to the time with you, Mom.”

Me?? His mom? His answer caught me so off-guard, I couldn’t speak for a moment or two. But when I finally found my voice, I immediately changed plans. One more time.

I’ll take you, Son. Let’s go. Right now. I’ve got all the time you need.

 

I realized now that this wasn’t as much about a mountain bike, as it was about a young man’s heart. A young man who was looking for some time together. And a mom who’d been too busy and distracted to see it.

 

How does a mom reach her son’s heart?

1. Communicate confidence. Boys grow strong when they have someone who is confident in their abilities. They step out and take off when they sense your faith in them.

2. Give him space. A mom can’t hover over her boy. He needs a little room – room to grow and to try things out on his own.

3. Show some respect. It’s important to never belittle him or make him feel small in any way. Even little men need to have some basic respect.

4. Cheer him on. Until that guy marries, I hope to be his biggest fan (then she can take over from there). I’ll cheer loudly and enthusiastically whenever and wherever I can.

5. Be available. At times just being there means the most. You’re standing by – in case he ever needs something. Time, advice, sympathy, or encouragement: it’s waiting there for when he’s looking for it.

6. Take an interest. In his interests. What are his hobbies? What does he like learning about? Spend time doing? Whether lizards, space travel, or Airsoft (all of which I know way more about than I’d ever wanted to ) – make it your area of interest too.

7. Listen quietly. More than anything. He doesn’t need you to talk nearly as much as he needs you to listen (more on that here).

8. Give him grace. I don’t know quite how to say this, but sometimes sons do stupid things. And we can become discouraged, or disappointed in them. But they need to feel our full forgiveness and have the chance to try again.

9. Believe the best. Let’s have great expectations for our sons. Let’s believe they’re going to go far and have high hopes for them.

10. Take him out. Our little boys keep very careful track on whose turn it is next to have a “date” with mom. I’ll grab one when I’m going out on an errand, then pick up an ice-cream cone or swing by the library. Our eldest likes the ribs at Baldy’s Barbecue.

11. Lighten up. Laugh at his antics and smile at his sweetness. Enjoy the boy he is and the man he’s becoming. Make sure he knows you delight in him. Just the way he is.

12. Pray for him. He needs his mother’s prayers. Pray for protection, for purity, for God’s purpose to be carried out. There’s probably no more important ministry a mom can have in her son’s life.

 

That sixteen-year-old is now 19 and living and working across the country – a sophomore at college – and we only get to see him once or twice a year. But we always welcome his emails, Skype and phone calls. It’s so good to hear all about his world and what’s on his heart.

Certainly, good for this mama’s heart.

Missing you, Son.

In His grace,
Lisa Jacobson

Little Hands, Little Man

    by Victoria Brake

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Little hands to hold so tight.
Hair to comb, and tears to wipe.
Little feet that grow so fast.
Teeth to brush and bedtime baths.
Little cups that must be filled.
Teething rings that must be chilled.
Clothes that come in green and blue.
Doing things boys love to do.
Time is fleeting, oh so fast.
What was just here, is now the past.

Little hands that needed me.
Now need me less, I start to see.
He ties his shoes and combs his hair.
Picks out his clothes, knows what to wear.
We hunt for bugs and play with cars.
Draw pictures of the moon and stars.
We're at the park, we play pretend.
He tells me I'm his favorite friend.
Who, what, when, where, why and how?
He needs to know these things right now.
So full of life, so full of love.
This gift sent from the Lord above.

He's older now, my little man.
No need for him to hold my hand.
Fishing, camping, baseball games.
Collecting worms after it rains.
Each night I ask the Lord above,
to help me teach him how to love.
There's so much that he needs to know,
and I'm still learning as I go.
Please, Lord... PLEASE help me get this right.
I beg, as I lose sleep at night.
Precious soul, undefiled.
Lord, guide me as I raise this child.

What just happened? Can it be?
My little boy is now a teen.
I stock the fridge to keep him fed.
Make sure he still fits in his bed.
Try not to let my worry show.
This happened fast, where did time go?
Help me to listen patiently.
As I instruct him, Lord guide me.
May my words be gentle and kind.
Loving, sincere, pure and wise.
His time at home, will soon be gone.
It sure did fly, but it was fun.

His bags are packed and by the door.
He's off to face a whole new world.
It seems like only yesterday,
as I would rock him… he would say.
Just one more story, pretty please?
Please would you read one more to me?
Then I would tuck him in his bed,
and kiss him on his precious head.
No more karate, no more ball.
No more measurements on the wall.
Today he'll leave this cozy nest,
and spread his wings, and give his best.

Five years later, this handsome man,
will take a wife and give his hand.
A beautiful bride, for my son.
I've prayed for her since he was one.
Thank you Lord, for hearing me.
For growing now, our family tree.
Two young lives will now be one.
A new love story has begun.

Two years later, waiting room.
A child will be here very soon.
Tiny bundle, wrapped in blue.
My boy, he knows just what to do.
He holds his son so tenderly.
An instant bond that I can see.
I run my hand through baby's hair.
The tears they fall, without a care.
His child held gently on his chest.
The years ahead will be his best.
It's true, he may not know it yet.
But he will soon, that I can bet.
Little hands to hold so tight.
Hair to comb and tears to wipe.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

www.katrinakenison.com

 

Please click on this link to see an unforgettable and very special video:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=490131254386682&set=vb.154798851253259&type=2&theater

Parenting Insight You Can Use Now

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN - http://www.biblicalparenting.info/ - Used by permission

Patience is a virtue but few children understand its benefits. Children tend to live for the present and typically want their desires satisfied fast.

One of the ways we help children learn patience is to teach them how to wait. They may not be able to wait long at first but the idea of waiting doesn't have to be like a foreign language. "Mom, could I have a snack?" "Well, it's 2:30 now. Let's have a snack at 3:00."

Sometimes a child will try to interrupt your conversation on the phone, or your interaction with another child or adult. One mom said, "I've told my son that if I'm on the phone and he wants to talk with me, that he can come over and gently put his hand on my arm to communicate that he wants to talk to me. I will either pause from my conversation to talk to him briefly or sometimes I'll just put my hand on his, communicating that I know he's waiting."

Talk to child about the maturity involved in waiting. You might define the character quality in practical ways that your child can understand. Patience is waiting with a happy heart. Or, patience knows that good things come to those who can wait.

Realize that the resistance your children exhibit to your "patience training" exercises is just the confirmation that they need to learn this valuable quality. They don't need harshness, but firm limits are good for children. Your work in this area will help them be more successful as they grow. Demanding children are unhappy children and indulging them rarely brings about peace. What they really need to learn is patience.

For more information about developing character qualities like patience in your children read the book, Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Fun Ways that Toys Can Help Children Get Ready for Kindergarten

from Creative Homemaking by Rachel Paxton -http://www.creativehomemaking.com
/moms/kindergarten-ready.shtml
Used by permission

Article by Jacob and Carol Maslow

Learning the ABCs and 123s is important but some of the most important skills that new kindergartners need are best learned through play. Children are naturally curious and eager to learn new things, so why not take advantage of playtime to help your child develop the skills that will give them a great head start in school?

Pattern Power

Being able to recognize and replicate patterns is useful for more than just creating pretty designs. Children will call on their skills in classifying objects, sorting them and recognizing patterns as they move on to reading and mathematics. You can help your child develop these skills by making pattern play a part of your everyday life.

One easy way to do this is to use wooden blocks to create patterns and ask your child “What comes next?”. From there, you can move on to having them create patterns for you to complete. Wooden blocks in various shapes can also be sorted by size and shape to help children gain experience in grouping objects by kind.

Special pattern block kits containing various shapes with design pattern cards that can be completed with the blocks are also a fun challenge for young children.

As a bonus, they also reinforce shape and color recognition as well as fine motor skills.

Be on the lookout for patterns in your everyday life, such as alternating tiles on a floor or decorative patterns on furniture and clothing. In no time, your child will delight in pointing out new patterns to you and incorporate them into their artwork.

Fine Motor Skills

Strong fine motor skills will help your child in kindergarten as they master writing and other tasks such as cutting with scissors and gluing. In addition, they will allow your child to be more independent in the classroom. Most kindergarten teachers expect that their students will be able to use the bathroom, put on their coats, hats and mittens and tie their own shoes and may not have the time to help your child each and every time.

Arts and crafts are one of the best ways to help your child develop these skills. While creativity should be encouraged, you can also challenge your child to refine their fine motor skills by showing them how to color in the lines, trace and connect the dots. Help your child learn to use scissors by giving them frequent, supervised opportunities to cut out objects and paste them on paper. Experiment with other mediums such as finger paints, painting with brushes and modeling clay.

Stringing beads is another fun and effective way to strengthen fine motor skills and can also be combined with pattern, shape and color recognition. Wooden puzzles, lacing cards and small blocks are also good choices for developing fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.

Make getting dressed in the morning a game with songs, races and lots of encouragement. While it’s a bit more trouble for you, choose shoes with laces so that your child has an opportunity to learn to tie them. A basic skills board or doll with buttons, snaps, zippers and laces is another fun way to help your child practice these skills.

Social Skills

Children who can sit still for a reasonable amount of time, take turns, share and follow directions have a much easier time in kindergarten. Playtime is an ideal time to reinforce these social skills with your preschooler so that they are able to meet classroom expectations when the time comes.

Reading to your child is one of the best ways to help build their attention span and help them learn to focus on what is being said to them. Mix it up with a combination of traditional books, storytelling and books on cd or MP3 (these are great for in the car or when you need to have your child occupied so that you can cook or shower).

Playing board games is also a good way to model and encourage good social skills. Look for games that are easy enough for a pre-reader to understand and play but that are challenging enough so that your child will still get experience in how to deal gracefully with frustration. Pretend play, especially playing school, is a great way for you to model expectations with your child and allow them to experiment safely with testing the boundaries. This kind of playing is also a good way for children to relieve their anxieties about school in a supportive environment.

Classic playground games like Follow-the-Leader, Simon Says and Mother May I? also help children learn to follow instructions and control their impulses. You can and should incorporate responsibility into your playtime by requiring your child to tidy up and make transitions with a minimum of fuss and reminders.

Love and Support

Perhaps most importantly, playing with your child is one of the best ways to show them that they have your love and support. Children who feel loved and secure are better equipped to meet new challenges and deal with the ups and downs that a day at kindergarten brings.

Co-authors Jacob and Carol Maslow enjoy sharing their experience and expertise on children, toys and the importance of play. In addition to raising five young children, Carol works as a therapist specializing in helping developmentally delayed preschoolers integrate with their classmates. Jacob works at Today's Concept, where parents can find classic toys, including the highly regarded Melissa and Doug brand.

Mother, Take the Time

by Kelly Crawford  1/2005

http://www.generationcedar.com/main/2012/02/choose-how-you-spend-your-time.html

Thanks to Meagan DeLong in North Carolina for sharing this beautiful poem!

I used to race, I used to hurry, I used to fret and frown and worry.

My children thought they had new names–”Hurry Up” and “We’re Gonna Be Late”!

Even when we were at home–laundry, cleaning, answer the phone…

I never had the extra time to sit and cherish these children of mine.

But in His grace the Lord broke through

And I saw everything anew.

We have but only a few days here, to love and share and pull them near.

And while there’re things that must be done,

Our lives are like the setting sun.

While its light is burning bright, before we face, alone, the night,

Let’s stop the madness of this race–

Let’s take back a slower pace!

Look into those grinning faces,

Plan your day with lots of spaces.

Grab a hand and take a walk, listen while your children talk.

Let them show you childhood things,

Take turns laughing on the swing.

Snuggle up beside the fire, kiss the hurt left by a brier.

Meet them with a morning smile, go out and fish a little while.

Choose carefully how you spend your time.

Don’t wait until you suddenly find

The wrenching grief of a heart that aches

Who loved too little and found out too late.

Moments for Mom / Motherhood is Messy

by Elisabeth K. Corcoran - June 2011 - www.elisabethcorcoran.com - Used by permission

My daughter came home with her freshman course schedule this week.  I almost fainted.  I am in complete and utter denial that Sara is going into high school.  My son likes to point out that she’ll be able to get her driver’s permit this year.  He does that to watch me either tear up or freak out, depending on my mood.

I do not have young children anymore.  And there are days when I barely even remember what having young children feels like.  

So I’ve got one concept for you today.  Cherish.  Soak in.  Remember.  Be intentional.  And I say all these things knowing that I’m sure someone said them to me.  Knowing that I didn’t always succeed in doing them.  But my hope is that you listen more carefully than I did.

It is more than a cliché that time flies.  I remember enough about the little kid years to remember that I sometimes thought the day I was in would never end.  And now I look back and realize that there are hundreds of days and thousands of moments that I can’t even recall, because they all went so fast.

What I would give for one day – in the middle of my life right now – of going back in time and reliving a typical stay-at-home mommy day with my toddlers.  Just one day.  

And this is maybe what I would do differently if I could, maybe what I would tell my younger, more tired self…

Your children are absolute gifts.  Your children adore you.  Your children are watching you.  Your children are more important than laundry, than vacuuming, than time on the computer.  Your children need you to love them well, need you to mean what you say and say what you mean.  Your children need you to love Jesus with all your heart.  It’s okay to sit on the couch with them and cuddle for five more minutes…in just a few years, they may not want to do this. In just a few more years, everything will feel different.  Just sit.  Just watch.  Just listen.  Just take it all in.  

And I’m saying this to myself today as I look down the road and realize that in just a few more years, my kids will be gone, on their own.  I still need to just sit, just watch, just listen, just take it all in.

Pray for eyes to see your children the way God does, and then…enjoy them. 

MOTHERHOOD IS MESSY.
by Lauren Beckner
The Beckner Bulletin: Motherhood is Messy.  http://darrenandlauren.blogspot.com - Used by permission

This week, I was supposed to log on to my summer courses and introduce myself, with a brief description of my life. As all of my classmates posted about their awesome jobs in the military, or the Pentagon, or for the FBI... I was trying to figure out how to describe my life. I finally posted up something lame like Hi, my name is Lauren and I stay at home with my two young kids and I enjoy exercising and baking and reading, and I look forward to learning with you all. But then I thought that seemed so... insufficient. Here is what I should have said.

Motherhood is so messy. If you walked in my house today, you would notice...

... that while it is clean...ish... there are hallmarks of children everywhere. Handprints on windows (and walls!), art on the fridge, a smattering of toys in random locations, sippy cups drying in the sink, and mismatched flip flops flung off by the back door...right next to the backpack in the floor...where it shouldn't be.

You would also notice that at 2:53 pm, I'm eating lunch while paying bills in a rare moment of quiet. And I'm about to squeeze in a few phone interviews while there is no background of Elmo and "MOM! Mom! Mommy! Momma! Lauren!" Next to me, on my desk, you would see a bouquet of pink baby roses that my sweet girl picked out for me in Kroger last night and came home shouting "Happy Mothers' Day!" even though that day is long past. You would also see a pair of broken sunglasses, smashed by chubby baby hands. And a few books of a political nature that I've yet to crack open for next week's summer courses.

You wouldn't see an ipod anywhere, because I'm pretty sure it was misplaced by someone pretending it was a cell phone. And there is a colony of ants feeding on toddler crumbs under the dining room table (where do they come from so instantly?!). You would notice that "Going on a Bear Hunt" and "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" are on the couch, because we've only read them 734 times since Saturday, when we checked them out from the library.

You would notice that while I completed the Ironman (26.2 miles running, 112 biking, and 1.2 swimming), I still have the signature baby pooch from carrying two little humans within me. I quit kidding myself that it would go away quite some time ago. You would probably notice a smudge of snot on my shoulder from comforting a baby's boo-boo, and see a small streak of mascara under one eye where I got the sniffles in the car after hearing a song about making memories with your daughter. And there might be a chance that I look tired.

Motherhood is messy.

In spite of all of those things, you would probably also notice the myriad of pictures plastered to the walls, and the preschool progress report on proud display. You would see a sweet homemade candle holder with daisies painted on using fingerprints, and if you stuck around long enough, when naptime was over... you'd see me greeted with huge smiles and bear hugs and "Mommy, what are we doin' next?!" You would probably hear some sort of singing and tons of giggles. Dinner would be served on plasticware. There would be games played, kisses given, and bedtime prayers.

Motherhood is messy, but I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the entire world. Not even the freakin' Pentagon. I'm so thankful for these silly monkeys that let me have the greatest. job. ever.

Which House Do You Live In?

Author unknown

 

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.

His voice was filled with glee.

His father very bluntly asked,

"Why didn't you get three?"

 

"Mom. I've got the dishes done!"

The girl called from the door.

Her mother very calmly said,

"And did you sweep the floor?"

 

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,

"And put the mower away!"

His father asked him, with a shrug.

"Did you clean off the clay?"

 

The children in the house next door

Seem happy and content.

The same things happened over there,

But this is how it went:

 

"I got two A's," the small boy cried,

His voice was filled with glee.

His father proudly said, "That's great!

I'm glad you live with me!"

 

"Mom I've got the dishes done!

The girl called from the door.

Her mother smiled and softly said.

"Each day I love you more."

 

"I've mowed the grass." the tall boy said.

"And put the mower away!"

His father answered with much joy.

"You've made my happy day!"

 

Children deserve a little praise

For tasks they're asked to do.

If they're to lead a happy life,
So much depends on you.

 

"The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you love them." - Author unknown