In Training

Source: blessedwildapplegirl.tumblr.com via Udi on Pinterest

It is so tough to navigate this parenting thing! I knew it would be hard, I even knew I would mess things up, I knew my kids wouldn't be perfect, cuz lets face it imperfect people can't produce perfect ones ;).
What I didn't have a clue about was the fact that I would be in large part responsible for "training" these sweet innocent babies to become whatever it is they were meant to be! The gravity of my role in their lives just never hit me, until I'm smack dab in the fight....the ON GOING battle to teach them all the little things that collectively will make them awesome people.

 I ask myself how many times will I have to remind them that yelling is NOT an acceptable form of communication, or that it is NEVER ok to put your hands on someone when you are angry, or that picking your nose will cause you to be labeled that gross kid.
I'm sure there will be years and years of these reminders and many other lessons they will need to learn, but I want to be in charge of this mission!

 Everyday we as parents, or teachers, or childcare providers, or grandparents, all of us are presented with this really important opportunity to develop and form a child in a positive way. So here's the thing....you ARE training them. The big question is WHAT are you training them to think, say, do, become?

 My hope is that I can lead by example my children and those whom i impact:
 Love unconditionally,
Extend mercy even when I want to react with rage,
Be patience and realize they aren't always able to see the full picture (just like us sometimes),
Use gentle words even when I feel like I'm at my breaking point,
Never be ashamed to say "I'm sorry" in front of them or to them,
Pray over them often,
Teach them to Honor the Lord in all they say and do.

I'm learning to seize the opportunity when its given to train them. I'm not promised a certain number of years or chances to train them so I'm encouraged to embrace this lifestyle now and make each day count. How about you? Are you a trainer?

Memory Maker

Source: charlestongirlblog.com via Loren on Pinterest

I want my kids to have great memories that will forever be stamped on their hearts, and so many times I let something really "important"  steal the opportunity.   Recently we spend a WHOLE afternoon at the park.  This day had been on the schedule for quite a while, but something always hopped in its place.    Oh but the day finally came and it was wonderful....well it started off if-y......
Ok so I must admit right now :
I am a list making, time slot filling , day calculator, and must have every minute accounted for and ALSO adhere strictly to this plan or else we might as well not even bother!
(now you probably have all kinds of thoughts like..."no wonder she can't make memories with her kids cuz you can't always plan those"  tell me about it!  Hey its a lesson I'm slowly  learning ;) ) -> back to the story...

We slept in which seemed nice until I realize that we actually have to prepare for this fun day, you know shower, get dressed, dress three kiddos, and pack a lunch.  And as luck would have it there was no picnic style options in the house....so off to the the store we go.....I'm starting to feel the stress level rise and the questions well up in the deep places of my heart.  Lots of whys circle around: Why did we wait so long to leave? Why even bother with a picnic?  We MUST eat at exactly 12:00 pm because that's lunch time!  Then at the next breath something new happened:

Brandie, You have no time frame today.  The schedule is clear, nothing is written down with ink.  Go with the flow!  Well praise the Lord! I mean really praise His holy name!  Breakthrough :)

We got to the park around 12pm played on the playground until complaints of hunger rolled in :) it was nice.  My sweet boys help their Daddy carry our cooler to the perfect picnic table and we had a great lunch (around 1pm ish ) we rode a train, admired some sweet baby ducklings, ate ice cream, spied out snakes and all kinds of critters I hope never to see outside of the glass, and rode the carousel.  I was THE BEST day i can remember and I hope the stamp proves time in the hearts of my sweet babies!  Here's I'm favorite shot of the day :)

Lesson to me:  Don't hold so tightly to the schedule that you snuff out the memories

Tired

Source: mrsamberapple.tumblr.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Do you know that feeling when everything is turned upside down and all you want is to be the one who can use YOUR strength to right everything? And, you try.... and try... and if that doesn't work you try again.

If you can relate then you most certainly know that all your efforts get you to one place..... Exhaustion!
Tired, no fight left, maybe no hope either. I can say to you today that as a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, I have been exhausted over and over again.

Today I find myself wondering how many times I will choose this path?????
I can do nothing in and of myself, BUT through Christ I can do ALL things!
There is a silver lining in all of this though. One that ensures that you never have to be without hope!
Because of Jesus, we have an ongoing invite. When I let myself wonder down the path that leads to exhaustion, I have this promise....
Matthew 11:28 Come to me....I will give you rest!

What about you? Have you allowed the enemy to load you down things that you weren't meant to carry? Things you could not possibly fix? The invitation is to you as well....Come to Him! And keep partaking of His rest over and over again :)

I hope you have a BLESSED week!!!!

Brandie

The Parts You Can't see

I went to the grocery store a few months ago and I just so happened to be alone, solo, NO KIDS IN TOW. It was such a pleasant trip....no screams, begging, or bathroom stops.  As the trip went on I was struck by the interaction I received from my fellow shoppers. Ok, so my usual trip might sound something like this:

Well hello! What beautiful children....Are they ALL yours????

Where's there Daddy????

Oh let me help you pick up all those boxes

They are so well behaved! ( not really ;) just had to slide that one in on you)

And THEN my children act like they have never had human interaction before! The make unfamiliar sounds, cower, cross their little eyes, stair blankly , OR speak rudely. (We are a work in progress)

Now, this particular child free day, I had no such occurrences.  I thought "wow people see me as something different"  maybe a young woman, a single woman, a college student, I don't really know, but I do know that I felt like I had a different title. Then I thought, "oh but if my scars were exposed....if they could see my c-section scar they would know I was a mom.  If they could see my left shoulder they would know I've had major surgery.  If they could see those things how would they treat me?"  Probably like someone with life experiences.  And those are just some of my physical scars...What if my emotional scars were on display as well? 

I was overwhelmed with regret.  How many times do I misjudge someone based on what I can see?  What if their scars were showcased for the whole world to see?  Would my compassion be stirred?  Would I be more likely to relate...be more tolerant...more relaxed?

My prayer is that I can see passed someones appearance and actions. That I'll have compassion, patience and understanding for those in my path today!  What about you...do you struggle with being critical ?

I Can't Make it

I had the privilege of attending church this morning, and being in the midst of a congregation that love and adore the Living God!  As I listened to the praise team sing a familiar song I was overwhelmed by its truth.....I NEED God's mercy and grace! I can't won't make it with out God!  

Sometimes I get bombarded  with thoughts of insecurity and failure, and I feel so unworthy and ashamed.....I learned a valuable lesson today!  I NEED God's mercy and His unfailing grace and guess what?  He knew that I would...He knew I would fail him, and so many others, but HIS love was not hid from me or you! Ephesians 2:4-5 assures me that He never expected me to take care of my self, that's why, I believe, He instated Mercy and Grace! I thank God this morning for security in Christ.  

The song goes on to say surely Goodness and Mercy will follow me all of my days! Well lets all shout right now !!!! That's a Promise for us, praise God! I can take that to the bank of Heaven and cash it!  I will no doubt stumble and fail God again in this life, but His goodness and His mercy are following me (because of Christ) EVERYDAY of my little ole life .  

Dont be ashamed today that you have to call on his mercy and grace yet another time! He is a kind and loving FATHER, and He promises to pick you up and give you strength, just ask and believe.

oh and if your belief seems lacking you can ask him to help that too ;) He's got you covered! 

Have a Blessed Sunday 

My first blog post!!!!

Well, I have debated about this whole blogger business for quite some time.  After LOTS of back and forth, here I am......I hope to always be an encouragement to you. I look forward to many many posts.

Anywhoo....Today is all about me. Top ten things you MUST know if we are gonna be buddies. Here they are:

1.  I have a kind hearted Husband  (and he's quite tolerant with a few fiery red heads I know)

2.  I have 3 amazing squirts

3.  I LOVE Chocolate

4.  I LOVE reality TV

5.  I Hate mushrooms and creatures that scurry

6.  I'm a little obsessed with pinterest folks!

7.  My favorite Color is Blue....well blue AND green

8.  I am rather indecisive

9.  I love deeply

10. Lessons keep me humble.

So that's the short list that is ME for now.  Its so nice to meet you! I hope you have an amazing week and please leave me a comment :)