"Adult education is something that will continue as long as kids have homework."
My kids aren't yet school-age, bringing home homework each night, but I've heard stories. And I don't look forward to those days. I worked as a tutor for a non-profit organization and also on my own. I see the benefit in getting a middleman to help with your own children. I remember trying to get help from my Dad and being more frustrated than anything else. I hope that Paul and I will be able to help some but that we will also know when to get a tutor if necessary.
God will yet fill your mouth with laughter...and your lips with joyful shouting. Job 8:21
Showing posts with label Mothers Devotion Book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mothers Devotion Book. Show all posts
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Secret of Contentment
"An infallible way to make your child miserable is to satisfy all his demands." Henry Home
Today's devotion took an excerpt from Little Women, focusing on counting your blessings whenever you feel unhappy. Fortunately, our lives are very blessed even if we don't always notice and remember those blessings. It is important for me to count my blessings as well as helping my children learn to see the blessings in their lives. Being thankful for those blessings goes along with this. We have a special bedtime prayer blessing our family, friends, animals and "children, everywhere", but I would like to incorporate a thanksgiving prayer during the day as well.
Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents. Proverbs 29:15
Today's devotion took an excerpt from Little Women, focusing on counting your blessings whenever you feel unhappy. Fortunately, our lives are very blessed even if we don't always notice and remember those blessings. It is important for me to count my blessings as well as helping my children learn to see the blessings in their lives. Being thankful for those blessings goes along with this. We have a special bedtime prayer blessing our family, friends, animals and "children, everywhere", but I would like to incorporate a thanksgiving prayer during the day as well.
Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents. Proverbs 29:15
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Lighter Side
Women should not have children after 35--35 children are enough.
Today's reading was a break to just let us have a bit of a laugh. It is good to not take ourselves too seriously. But we also need to remember that we all need some down time, some to ourselves without the immediate pressures of parenting.
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:5
Today's reading was a break to just let us have a bit of a laugh. It is good to not take ourselves too seriously. But we also need to remember that we all need some down time, some to ourselves without the immediate pressures of parenting.
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:5
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Just the Facts, Ma'am
"You know children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers." John J. Plomb
That quote made me laugh. The questions the kids at the preschool ask are sometimes those questions that have no answer. As parents (and adults) we have to be careful about the answers we give children. We don't want to give them information they aren't ready for, and we don't want to ignore their questions either. Every child deserves our attention and conversation, even if it somewhat one-sided or involves the same word over and over again. You know the dialogue...child asks "why", we answer, the child asks "why" again, we answer, and so on. Right now for me it goes like this:
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Yes, Sophie?
Sophie: Momma!
Me: What, Sophie?
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
You get the picture. I think she just likes hearing the back and forth exchange!
"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." 1 Corinthians 13:11
That quote made me laugh. The questions the kids at the preschool ask are sometimes those questions that have no answer. As parents (and adults) we have to be careful about the answers we give children. We don't want to give them information they aren't ready for, and we don't want to ignore their questions either. Every child deserves our attention and conversation, even if it somewhat one-sided or involves the same word over and over again. You know the dialogue...child asks "why", we answer, the child asks "why" again, we answer, and so on. Right now for me it goes like this:
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Yes, Sophie?
Sophie: Momma!
Me: What, Sophie?
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
Sophie: Momma!
Me: Sophie!
You get the picture. I think she just likes hearing the back and forth exchange!
"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." 1 Corinthians 13:11
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Little Words, Big Impact
Never, never be too proud to say "I'm sorry" to your child when you've made a mistake.
Adding a second child to the mix definitely changes everything, especially when the child is already a preschooler. Some days are just harder than others. I do find myself at the end of my rope and do get frustrated with the kids. I try to give myself a time-out, then come back and apologize to them for losing patience.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another."James 5:16
Adding a second child to the mix definitely changes everything, especially when the child is already a preschooler. Some days are just harder than others. I do find myself at the end of my rope and do get frustrated with the kids. I try to give myself a time-out, then come back and apologize to them for losing patience.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another."James 5:16
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A Mother's Heart
"Simply having children does not make mothers." John A Shedd
Today's devotion was about a woman who became the mother to her nieces and nephew. She is also known as the "mother of the age of ecology" because of her book about pesticide dangers. Instead of a top ten list or recommended reading, it had an activity for the reader to do for the next week. It asks that you to say a prayer for 5 specific children who need it. I've made my list and said the prayer for today.
"Teach the young women to be sober...to love their children." Henry Ward Beecher
Today's devotion was about a woman who became the mother to her nieces and nephew. She is also known as the "mother of the age of ecology" because of her book about pesticide dangers. Instead of a top ten list or recommended reading, it had an activity for the reader to do for the next week. It asks that you to say a prayer for 5 specific children who need it. I've made my list and said the prayer for today.
"Teach the young women to be sober...to love their children." Henry Ward Beecher
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Power of Hearing
"If we as parents are too busy to listen to our children, how then can they understand a God who hears?" V. Gilbert Beers
This was a difficult one for me because we struggling with our communication with Logan and Sophie, too. I know that my children need me to listen to them and more importantly that they need to know I will. It is difficult when your child doesn't speak English or doesn't speak clearly. We do this back and forth, with me asking questions trying to determine what they need or want. With Logan it is especially difficult because there are times when he's not even trying to say words just grunts or yells. So, I'm never sure if he is actually talking (either English or Chinese) or just making noise. Because we've taught them both some signing, listening also means looking, watching for the sign and trying to match it to what they are saying. I can't wait for the day when we can all listen and understand!
"Let the wise listen." Proverbs 1:5
This was a difficult one for me because we struggling with our communication with Logan and Sophie, too. I know that my children need me to listen to them and more importantly that they need to know I will. It is difficult when your child doesn't speak English or doesn't speak clearly. We do this back and forth, with me asking questions trying to determine what they need or want. With Logan it is especially difficult because there are times when he's not even trying to say words just grunts or yells. So, I'm never sure if he is actually talking (either English or Chinese) or just making noise. Because we've taught them both some signing, listening also means looking, watching for the sign and trying to match it to what they are saying. I can't wait for the day when we can all listen and understand!
"Let the wise listen." Proverbs 1:5
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A Spirit of Strength
"Mothers are like fine collectibles-as the years go by they increase in value." Author Unknown
This devotion talked about the strength that we as mothers have and more importantly how that strength helps our children. It talked about a mother's determination and the sacrifices she is willing to make. As I read this, I thought about Logan's birth mother. I can only imagine the strength it took to leave her baby at that hospital with the hope that he would have a better life than she could provide. Because he was about 9 months old, I believe she tried to find a way to give him the life he deserved. The area he was found and most likely where she was is very rural. The financial costs to provide him the best medical care he needed was more than she could bear, I'm certain. She had to make that sacrifice, to leave him, in order to allow him to have all that she wanted for him. I hope and pray that she knows in her heart that I will be the mother she wanted for her son.
"Despise not thy mother when she is old." Proverbs 23:22
This devotion talked about the strength that we as mothers have and more importantly how that strength helps our children. It talked about a mother's determination and the sacrifices she is willing to make. As I read this, I thought about Logan's birth mother. I can only imagine the strength it took to leave her baby at that hospital with the hope that he would have a better life than she could provide. Because he was about 9 months old, I believe she tried to find a way to give him the life he deserved. The area he was found and most likely where she was is very rural. The financial costs to provide him the best medical care he needed was more than she could bear, I'm certain. She had to make that sacrifice, to leave him, in order to allow him to have all that she wanted for him. I hope and pray that she knows in her heart that I will be the mother she wanted for her son.
"Despise not thy mother when she is old." Proverbs 23:22
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Open House, Open Heart
"You built no great cathedrals that centuries applaud, but with grace exquisite your life cathedraled God." Thomas Fessenden
Today's devotional was about a boy who was orphaned then taken in b his aunt. Years later as the aunt was nearing death, the man expressed his gratitude for the welcome she gave him as a child. We've all heard that a house is not the same as a home. And we all have our own ideas about what makes a house, a home. I've always known that "home" was a feeling. I'm known for feeling homesick even in my own house. I'm not sick for my house but for that familiar home feeling. I hope my children grow to have that same feeling about the home that we make together.
"We are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be there God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16
Today's devotional was about a boy who was orphaned then taken in b his aunt. Years later as the aunt was nearing death, the man expressed his gratitude for the welcome she gave him as a child. We've all heard that a house is not the same as a home. And we all have our own ideas about what makes a house, a home. I've always known that "home" was a feeling. I'm known for feeling homesick even in my own house. I'm not sick for my house but for that familiar home feeling. I hope my children grow to have that same feeling about the home that we make together.
"We are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be there God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Safety First
"As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible." Ruth Bell Graham
Today's devotion was about a mother who helped pass car seat legislation in California. She was inspired to do this after being involved in a car wreck and realizing her daughter was saved because she was buckled in. There are so many things that we have no control over. Those things we just have to let go and trust God to handle them. But then there are those things we can control. And keeping our children safe is one. The second page of the devotion was a list of "What the Bible Says You Can Know and Do Concerning Your Children." My focus for this week is to pray for my children. We've been praying for Logan (without knowing exactly who he was) for years. And now we pray for not only our own children but all the children in China and their mommies.
"Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10
Today's devotion was about a mother who helped pass car seat legislation in California. She was inspired to do this after being involved in a car wreck and realizing her daughter was saved because she was buckled in. There are so many things that we have no control over. Those things we just have to let go and trust God to handle them. But then there are those things we can control. And keeping our children safe is one. The second page of the devotion was a list of "What the Bible Says You Can Know and Do Concerning Your Children." My focus for this week is to pray for my children. We've been praying for Logan (without knowing exactly who he was) for years. And now we pray for not only our own children but all the children in China and their mommies.
"Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Persevering Kindness
"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them." Lady Bird Johnson
The story today was about the early years of Anne Sullivan (of Helen Keller fame). The idea that I got from the reading was that we should never give up a child. No matter what they deserve our kindness...we just never know when our small act may be exactly what they need. The quote above really hit home. There is so much we are responsible for as parents and I just hope my children always know how much I love them and that I believe in them.
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
The story today was about the early years of Anne Sullivan (of Helen Keller fame). The idea that I got from the reading was that we should never give up a child. No matter what they deserve our kindness...we just never know when our small act may be exactly what they need. The quote above really hit home. There is so much we are responsible for as parents and I just hope my children always know how much I love them and that I believe in them.
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
Friday, January 14, 2011
Family Vacation?
"Parenthood: that state of being better chaperoned than you were before marriage." Marcelene Cox
Having spent 4 days with both kids cooped up last week because of the ice and snow, I understood where the family in today's story was coming from. After spending their family vacation in the mountains, the parents needed a vacation without the kids. The kids enjoyed the time in the mountains, but the "vacation" was more work for the parents than if they had just stayed home. At this point I can't even imagine having a vacation from the kids. It was really hard to be away from Sophie for 2 weeks when we went to China. But, maybe a night or 2, with room service. Now that I could handle!
"The joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." Nehemiah 8:10
Having spent 4 days with both kids cooped up last week because of the ice and snow, I understood where the family in today's story was coming from. After spending their family vacation in the mountains, the parents needed a vacation without the kids. The kids enjoyed the time in the mountains, but the "vacation" was more work for the parents than if they had just stayed home. At this point I can't even imagine having a vacation from the kids. It was really hard to be away from Sophie for 2 weeks when we went to China. But, maybe a night or 2, with room service. Now that I could handle!
"The joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." Nehemiah 8:10
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Steadfast Faith
"The highest pinnacle of the spiritual life is not joy in unbroken sunshine but absolute and undoubting trust in the love of God." A. W. Thorgold
This devotion was about the woman who wrote the hymn "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" Louisa Stead. She wrote those words after watching her husband drown trying to save a boy. It also talked about Abraham's wife Sarah and how she didn't trust God to keep his promises. I struggle myself when having to wait. The wait for Logan was so long and not at all what we expected when we started the process. Obviously, I wouldn't change the timeline at all because without the wait, we wouldn't have Sophie or Logan for that matter. Thankfully, I had a wonderful prayer partner doing that wait who helped me to keep my faith in God.
"Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory has overcome the world-our faith." 1 John 5:4
This devotion was about the woman who wrote the hymn "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" Louisa Stead. She wrote those words after watching her husband drown trying to save a boy. It also talked about Abraham's wife Sarah and how she didn't trust God to keep his promises. I struggle myself when having to wait. The wait for Logan was so long and not at all what we expected when we started the process. Obviously, I wouldn't change the timeline at all because without the wait, we wouldn't have Sophie or Logan for that matter. Thankfully, I had a wonderful prayer partner doing that wait who helped me to keep my faith in God.
"Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory has overcome the world-our faith." 1 John 5:4
Friday, January 7, 2011
Daily Devotions 2011
One of my goals for last year was to spend time each day with a devotion. I didn't complete my goal last year (although I started often). So now I'm trying it again, but this time using this blog to help keep me accountable. My mom gave me a book called God's Devotional Book for Mothers. It has a 2-page devotion that can be read within a matter of minutes. No really, the first page is your typical devotion story, with a quote and scripture verse, and the second page varies. Sometimes it's a top ten list, others a small poem, book recommendations, or just a great quote. So definitely something that can be done when you just have a few minutes in between the craziness of motherhood moments. We'll start tomorrow.
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