A refreshing drink

I must start this post by letting you know that in NO way shape or form did I come up with this myself. I read this on another blog and instead of linking you there I decided to just share it here. I do know that she said this came from her notes taken at her recent MOPS meeting. I hope this blesses you as much as it did for me (very convicting but very much needed!)

1. One of my favorite things she said was "You cannot lead your children any farther in the Lord than you've already walked yourself." She was emphasizing our need to be disciplined in the Lord on a daily basis. It really hit home with me.
2. Your joy does not depend on their behavior. Be it if they disapoint you or make you proud, that is not your joy. And they need to see that joy is not based on performance or this world in general.
3. Learn how to break the will but not the spirit of your child.
4. Never humiliate your child publicly. If they are embarrassed this will break their spirit. Help them obey, especially the young ones just learning.
5. Never threaten to leave your child (if they're not coming). This does not follow scripture when Jesus says "I will never leave you or forsake you."
6. Use positive reinforcement, not bribing. Bribing puts the power in their hands.
7. Build up your child
8. Use everyday events to talk to your children about spiritual things.
9. And she made clear that she was not excusing sluggishness, but to always remember You are raising children not a house. God is more interested in a clean heart, not so much a clean house.

Is there one of these that hit home with you more than the others? For me it's ALL of them!

Goodwill

Can I just tell you that I love the age Gracie is at. There are times that she tries to get a little sassy (no idea where she gets that!) but then she says the FUNNIEST things. Here is the conversation we had in the van after picking her up and getting the car washed.

G: Where are we going?
Me:Goodwill to take the box of clothes I forgot to take this morning.
G:Where's Mean-will?
Me:thinking...oh honey there is no mean Will there's just Goodwill. (trying hard not to die laughing)

drive in and drop off box...driving out
G:Was that Goodwill's house?
Me:yes that was Goodwill
G:which one of them was Will? The one with brown hair or blonde hair?
Me: there's not a Will, it's Goodwill..a store, like Target and Wal-Mart
G:Where's Badwill?
Me:There's not a Badwill just a Goodwill

G:so we have 2 Wills...Laura's Will and Goodwill
Me:yes!!!

Oh how I love that little girl!!!
Me:

Happy New Year

Welcome 2009!! I will have to say that 2008 was a very eventful year and one that will most likely go down as a favorite, however I am so ready for 2009. It seems like last year there always seemed to be something new happening and it wasn't always with my family but nonetheless it was what I will fondly remember as the year of change.

Now on to 2009!! It is sort of hard to believe that it's already here but as the saying goes the older you get the faster life goes. In the last couple of weeks I've been pondering what my resolutions would be and here's what I decided...I'm not going to have resolutions but goals. You see if I have a resolution to lose 10 pounds and only make 9 I've failed, but if it's a goal I sure did come really close and won't be as discouraged to keep trying. I know that may sound crazy but hey it's another Sarahism I suppose!!

So here they are, my goals for 2009...in particular order

#1-get in the Word more. I'm going to use this GREAT blog and hopefully some butt kicking to make sure to achieve this one!

#2-get off the computer!! This one will probably be really hard for me so I expect some butt kicking but hey if I want to do anything else I MUST leave cyber world.

#3-play with my kids. Honestly I'm not sure I really know how to play but I'm going to learn. I anticipate going to the library for story time, going to the zoo, going to the Discovery place in the Boro, etc.

#4-have at least monthly dates with Jeremy. This is something we've really failed at but hope this year to turn it around...anyone have any great suggestions on places to go or things to do?

#5-lose 20 pounds...don't we all have one of these? Normally I wouldn't think so much about it but this year is my 10 year reunion and although I'm not sure if I'll go or not it makes for a good goal.

well I think that about sums it up...what about you? Any resolutions/goals this year?