A Praying Mother

I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.

Abraham Lincoln

The young teen was out partying with her friends.  She had had too much too drink and was alone in a car with the school’s “bad boy”.   They started kissing and he began fumbling with her jeans in an attempt to take them off.  She  weakly tried to fight him off but was so intoxicated she couldn’t.  Just as he got her jeans down and started to rape, a bright light filled the car.  He expected to see a cop standing there but when he looked up he saw a huge man dressed in white.  The man had a sword at his side and glowed with a blinding white light.  The boy became frightened and drove the girl home.  When he arrived at the girl’s house he hurriedly pulled her out of his car and drove away.  Her mother heard the car and went to the door.  She saw her daughter lying on the lawn and ran to her.  She then helped her daughter to bed and tucked her in.

The next morning the mother called the girl downstairs for a talk regarding the previous night.  The girl began to cry and tell her about what had happened.  Suddenly she stopped.  “Mom, I remember seeing a bright light and a huge man dressed in white in front of the car.”  The mom sat there with tears in her eyes.  “Darling,” she said.  “I was praying for you.”

As mothers we do a lot for our children.  We make sure they eat to nourish their bodies and we make sure they have clothes to wear.  We send them to school or homeschool them to make sure they receive a good education.  But are we neglecting to give them the most important  protection we can?  Are we praying for them as they go out into the world each day.  This is the most important thing we can do for them—bathe them in prayer daily.  Ask for God’s protection over our most precious resource.  Prayer should be the first thing we do each morning and the last thing we do each night. and all through the day.  It’s not too late to start praying for our children.  A few minutes spent in prayer can make a difference in a child’s life.  The most powerful prayers that reach God’s ears are from mothers pleading on behalf of their children.  A mother’s prayer is powerful because when a mother prays—God listens.

A Praying Mother

I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.

Abraham Lincoln

The young teen was out partying with her friends.  She had had too much too drink and was alone in a car with the school’s “bad boy”.   They started kissing and he began fumbling with her jeans in an attempt to take them off.  She  weakly tried to fight him off but was so intoxicated she couldn’t.  Just as he got her jeans down and started to rape, a bright light filled the car.  He expected to see a cop standing there but when he looked up he saw a huge man dressed in white.  The man had a sword at his side and glowed with a blinding white light.  The boy became frightened and drove the girl home.  When he arrived at the girl’s house he hurriedly pulled her out of his car and drove away.  Her mother heard the car and went to the door.  She saw her daughter lying on the lawn and ran to her.  She then helped her daughter to bed and tucked her in.

The next morning the mother called the girl downstairs for a talk regarding the previous night.  The girl began to cry and tell her about what had happened.  Suddenly she stopped.  “Mom, I remember seeing a bright light and a huge man dressed in white in front of the car.”  The mom sat there with tears in her eyes.  “Darling,” she said.  “I was praying for you.”

As mothers we do a lot for our children.  We make sure they eat to nourish their bodies and we make sure they have clothes to wear.  We send them to school or homeschool them to make sure they receive a good education.  But are we neglecting to give them the most important  protection we can?  Are we praying for them as they go out into the world each day.  This is the most important thing we can do for them—bathe them in prayer daily.  Ask for God’s protection over our most precious resource.  Prayer should be the first thing we do each morning and the last thing we do each night.  It’s not too late to start praying for our children.  A few minutes spent in prayer can make a difference in a child’s life.  The most powerful prayers that reach God’s ears are from mothers pleading on behalf of their children.  A mother’s prayer is powerful because when a mother prays—God listens.

Bequests For Our Children

 

 

There are only two lasting bequests we hop to give our children.  One of these is roots, the other, wings

Thought to be by Hodding Carter

My Thoughts:

We want to bring our children up to be contributing members of society and adults we can be proud of.  Parenting is a hard job today—the hardest but most worthwhile job we can ever have. 

In order to give out children roots, we must let them know they are loved and we are always there for them.  The most important lesson we can teach them is that with Christ as our foundation, we can not be destroyed by the world’s offerings.  No one will tell you your child will not make mistakes.  However, if we are there to pick them up when they fall, they will know we are available for them in despair and trials.  Most importantly, God will be there for them.

In order to give them wings, we must let them learn from their mistakes and not “bail” them out of their consequences.  In order to fly, our children must test their wings to see if they will carry them.   Don’t clip their wings by making everything easy for them.  Let them learn to use their wings to reach their potential.  This will be the only way they can learn to fly and soar in the world today.  I;’m not saying push them out of the nest too early.  Always let them know they will have a home to come to but let them know they must live and learn to be on their own.

Think about it.

Change of Plans

I had the pleasure of reviewing this movie before it aired on television.  I must tell you that it is a must see movie that reinforces the power of family.

Jason and Sally are a professional couple without children.  Their lives and careers are fulfilling and they are happy with life and each other.  But their lives take a drastic turn when Sally learns her best friend and her husband are killed in a plane crash in Uganda where they were working in the peace corps.
The couple left four children, 3 of which were adopted.  One minute Jason and Sally were free to travel without worries and the next they become guardians of four children. 

Along with these new members of the household come the problems associated with parenthood.  From adjustments at new schools to teenage issues, Sally and Jason are given a quick indoctrination into the lives of parents.  Of course, tensions arise and a minor legal problem occurs but each member of this family do learn that sacrifice and compromise are necessary ingredients to a successful family life.

This movie airs tomorrow night (1/8) on Fox at 7:00 CST.  I urge you and your family to watch this amazing movie.  This is a family movie that will not disappoint you.

A Day In the Life

The morning started out as chaotic as any other morning at my house. After three attempts to wake Tori for school, she finally stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom. I then went to find clothes for the other kids. Glancing at my watch I found I had a few minutes to spare. I decided to check my email. I discovered an email from an old friend and decided to answer it right away. Before I knew it, Tori’s bus was coming up the road. I ran to her room to tell her good-bye before she left. Imagine my dismay when I found her in front of her mirror and her bus already gone.

By this time the other kids were up and already fighting. I managed to stop the fighting long enough to herd them all to the car to take Tori to school. Another fight then erupted over who was going to sit in what seat. I assigned the seats and got everyone buckled in and ready to go. By this time I was so stressed and frazzled I must admit I lost my temper and began yelling at the kids. After this totally messy scene I apologized but the damage was already done. Everyone was in a bad mood and the ride to school was punctuated with crying and sighs.

After I dropped Tori off I knew I had to rush to get the others dressed and on their bus. Finally with showers done and the kids dressed, I began to relax a little until the cries of “I’m hungry” began. There was no time for a “real” breakfast but I did have some toaster pastries in the cupboard. I ran and grabbed these and gave one to each of the kids. Now it was time for their bus so we hurriedly ran out the door just in time to see the bus coming up the road. Frantically, I got the kids on the bus and went into the house totally exhausted already. When I collapsed in my chair and leaned my head back to relax for jus t a minute my dog jumped into my lap. I had forgotten to feed him in all the chaos of the morning. After feeding him and sitting back down , I heard the still small voice begin to speak to me.

“My child, why are you so angry with Tori this morning? You were the one who was distracted and lost track of your time. If you had used those spare minutes to visit with me instead of answering that email, your mind would have been more rested and centered on the right things. I’ve seen you so many mornings rushing to do all that needs to be done for the kids. I wait for you to ask me for help but you are too busy trying to do it all in your own strength. Don’t you know by now that I am here for you? Just ask me and I will bring peace to your heart.”

I realized that I had been trying to do everything on my own. “Please Lord forgive me. Sometimes I get so caught up in my life I so often forget you are there for me.”

I would like to tell you that was the last hectic morning of getting the kids to school on time. I would also love to tell you that from that moment on I became the picture of the totally “cool, calm and collected” woman. I would love to tell that the first thing each morning I sat down and asked God to take over my day and give me the grace and patience I need with the kids. I would love to tell you that—but I can’t. Mornings at my house are still rushed and chaotic. But on the mornings that I do spend with God in prayer I find I am able to handle the chaos with a calmer heart and a peaceful mind.

Today’s Whisper:

How many days start out hectic? If you spend the first few minutes with your Heavenly Father do you think the day would start out calmer? Write out a prayer to God to help you remember to start your day right. Trust me—the highly frazzled female that prayer does make a difference in our day.



Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to remember that you are in control of my life. I do not need to spin my wheels trying to do everything in my own power. You are there to help me. You are always waiting for me to ask for your help. You are always ready to guide my steps. I just need to ask. I love you.

Summer, Hot Dogs, and Baseball

Well friends, it has been a busy summer. With four kids in t-ball, baseball, and softball I have been running and running. Some nights I do believe I have met myself sometimes "running in all directions". There have been nights that I have had to be in three places at once. Don't ask me how but I have managed to get everyone where they needed to be at the time they were supposed to be there (o.k. sometimes one of the darlins' has been a few minutes late). Last weekend was the annual little league picnic. That meant three games at once plus (I don't know what I was thinking) I volunteered to help at a game. I must have been in the sun too long. You know a little heat stroke or brain dysfunction. Whatever, I did make it through all eight hours of being out in the sun amid all the screaming and running--I don't know what the kids did. Just kidding. I did push a little kid out of the small amount of shade under a tree. Hey, she was young and could handle the heat better than me. Besides the stroller stopped before it hit the water. People have got to learn--don't get between an old woman and a shade tree when the temperature is 95.

OK, time to feed my brood. I had three extra mouths to feed last night and just one to feed tonight so maybe my luck is changing.

Until next time friends, this is life on the edge.

Another Day on the Edge

Well, it's Monday again here on the edge. After getting the kids to their respective schools, I attended my exercise group. Quit laughing, I am still able to touch my toes, barely. I went to kindergarten for computer lab-hey, I volunteer there. I already know the basics of computer use. I then paid the bills, and attended the kindergarten "tea" and book fair. By then, my teenager called and needed something she had forgotten to take with her this morning, so I had to take that to school for her. After all this is taken care of I really need to go home and clean house. That done, I planned supper for the "crew" and found I needed to go to the grocery store. Arriving home once again, I remembered that 2 of the darlins' had basketball games,sooooooooooooo after rounding up uniforms and washing them, I sat down for a minute. The next thing I knew the teenager was home and shaking me awake. Was this day a dream (nightmare). No, I saw the pile of receipts and exercise clothes thrown in the corner of my bedroom. Oh well, at least I have made it through another day of life here on "the edge."

I hope your Monday went smoother than mine. But even if it didn't--I hope you remembered to stop and thank God for your blessings He gave you today.

Until next time, this is "life on the edge."

The Best Laid Plans

Recently when my 4 year old was sick I was reminded of a time a few years ago when her 7 year old brother was sick. I had written a story about how God had used this to teach me a valuable lesson.

When I can get the kids on the school bus and to day care I consider my mornings to be a success. With four kids to feed and get dressed, mornings are always chaotic at my house. One wants cereal for breakfast, one wants eggs and one wants anything that no one else wants or we do not have. Getting out the door with everyone dressed and my sanity intact is always a miracle.

One morning I was "patting myself on the back" for managing to deliver the kids to their appointed destinations on time. I even had a few minutes to spare so I decided to stop at the neighborhood cafe for a much needed cup of coffee. As i was savoring the delicious coffee, I began to plan my my day. I could shampoo my carpets, clean the overstuffed closets, and maybe do a load or two of laundry. I had just finished my coffee and plans for the day when my cell phone began to ring.
Isn't technology wonderful?

The voice of the day care director, in one sentence, changed my entire plans for the day. "Christian has a fever and you will need to pick him up." "Sure, I'm on my way," I stammered gulping the last of my coffee. I paid my check and headed for my car. As I pu my keys in the ignition I thought of all my ambitious plans for the day. Oh well, I thought as I pulled out into the street and headed for the short drive to day care. I can pick up Christian and settle him down to watch his favorite cartoons and get some chores marked off my ever-growing "to do" list.

When I arrived at day care I spotted Christian in a corner with the saddest expression on his face. Ms. Sherry, his teacher, explained that he did not act as though he were sick. However, when a child has a fever he needs to go home. "I understand," I told her as I bent down to give Christian a hug. "Do you hurt anywhere?" I asked him. Tears began rolling down his face as he hugged me and said, "No Nanny, I just want to go home."

We got in the car and headed for home. I felt so sorry for him that I stopped at his favorite restaurant, McDonald's and got him a kid's meal and milk shake. As he enjoyed his meal we talked--I mean really talked--about everything. We talked about his friends at day care and what he was learning. When I talked to him I actually felt as though he were really interested in what I had to say (unlike my husband sometimes). I haven't felt that good about a conversation in a long time. I know what has been said about a "little child shall lead them" but today I actually learned about the pleasure of enjoying a conversation with someone.

When we arrived home I asked him if he would like to go to bed and watch TV. "No,Nanny, I want to make cookies with you." So we made cookies and laughed and talked some more. "This is fun," he said to me with flour on his face. He looked so precious I had to laugh and say, "You know these cookies are done, we need to taste test before we let the rest of the family eat any of these. Do you feel like having some milk and cookies?" "Sure," he said. After enjoying some milk and cookies, I checked his temperature. It had gone down some but he still had a small fever.

"Why don't you go in your room and let me put you in bed and turn your cartoons on for you?" Without another word he went into his room and got into bed. I turned on his favorite cartoon channel and kissed him. Before ten minutes went by he was sound asleep. I went into the kitchen and washed up the dishes and threw in a load of towels to wash. I then went into the living room and sat in my rocking chair for a rest. I looked at my to-do list and realized that I could not get my list done and laid it to the side.

When Christian awoke he wanted me to color with him. This is what we were doing when Tori came bounding through the door. She ran to Chriatain and gave him a hug. I explained to her that he had a fever and had to leave day care early. He excitedly showed her the cookies we made and the pictures that we had colored. I looked at the clock and realized it was time to pick up Nikolas and Alyssa. "Take care of Christian for me." I called to Tori as I ran out the door.

On the way to the day care I realized that I had not planned dinner so a quick stop at the market was in order. Hurriedly picking up a pack of chicken and a few additional things for dinner I jogged to the closest checkout. As luck would have it, I got behind a woman that had more items in her cart than money to pay for them. I impatiently waited for her to decide what she could do without. Finally, it was my turn. As I paid for my few groceries, I began to think of how I had spent my day. It was not exactly how I had planned it. I left the store with a smile on my face. Finally, I was again on my way to the daycare.

After retrieving the other two kids and assuring Christian's teacher that he was fine, I again headed for home. After I had prepared dinner and put the kids to bed, I sat down and reflected on my day. Guess what happened to my to-do list? Absolutely nothing! Sure I could have shampooed the carpets and cleaned closets but what would that have accomplished compared to the way I had spent my day? I had spent the day making memories with my grandchild. Memories I know I will never forget and memories that I think Christian will always remember.

There on my couch alone in the dark and with the TV on in the background, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I realized that although I had big plans of my own for the day, He had His own plans for me. Without God's intervention I would have missed out on experiencing the greatest day of my life. After checking Christian's temperature and giving all my precious grandchildren goodnight kisses, I stood and watched each one of them. Do you know what I did next? I thanked God for each and every one of them. I had not cleaned carpets today but I had done something more important. I had spent the day with of God's angels.

True satisfaction in life comes from walking with God everday in all areas of our life--even in our day to day to-do lists.

Sick Bed on the edge

Well, today I have sick little girl to care for. I had to pick her up early yesterday and take her to the doctor. This is the one kid that never gets sick. So when she is sick everyone suffers. She is taking to barking orders for something to drink very well. If I don't jump at her first command she says, "Nanny, the doctor said I had to drink more so bring me something to drink." Seriously, I don't like it when the kids are sick. I worry too much although I know that God is in control. I guess I'm too much of a mom.

Now, when my DH gets sick that is another story. When he has a cough or sneeze, the world is coming to an end. I know you ladies know what I am talking about. Actually, the kids are braver than a man when sickness strikes.

Oh, well, I guess that is why God made us with strong backs--to hold up our family when we need to. The male thinks he is the stronger sex. He doesn't know that the female is smart enough to just let him think that. How else would we get him to do our dirty jobs for us.

Enough for now. The patient is calling me. Here goes Dr. Mom, waitress Mom, maid Mom, and whatever else the job requires.

So long. Until later--This is life on the edge!

Halloween Scares Me

Well, Halloween is over for another year. What a relief! Halloween always scares me to death. I don't mean the goblins or witches and any other grotesque costume the kids can envision. I mean the effects of so much candy on the kids. I do try to monitor the amount of candy they consume at one time but in reality--that is impossible to do 100%. I know you all have the same problem. Hyperactive kids that refuse to sleep or cooperate in any way. Of course, this is day to day life on the edge Face it life is hard enough as it is but add to the equation tons of sweet confections and life really takes a turn for the worse at Halloween.

That's not really the worse part--you can tie the kids up and duct tape their mouths shut. Don't call CPS--I'm only kidding. The worse part is trying to walk across the floor and find yourself sticking to the floor by leftover sweet delights the kids have dropped. Walking across a sugar laden floor is a lot like watching yourself move in slow motion.

Well, it is time to start the major overhaul on the house and attempt to clean it before the dog decides he wants some candy too. Oops, almost forgot. Got to untie the kids so they can get their exercise for the day.

Until next time, this is life on the edge.

Say a prayer for me if you can. I need all the help I can get.

Life on the Edge--orSliding in the Mud

Well, if things could not be complicated at "the edge" we are now fighting a water leak. Half my yard is dug up and is a solid mass of mud. Naturally, the kids are acting like they are on a water park ride. This would not be bad except, hello, we have no water. So the kids are running around with inches of mud on their feet and hands and playing tag. I guess I should just sit back and let them play without worrying about it. Actually, with no water what else can I do. I might just rub some on my face--isn't that supposed to be good for your skin? I am really getting delusional now. HELP!!! Oh well, what else have I got to do but clean house 24/7 and scrub kids or should I say scrape kids? If you pass my house and see me spraying kids off with the water hose (when I do get water that is), don't think bad of me. Just honk your horn and wave because you have just seen how life is "on the edge."

Until next time, take care and thank God for your family.

Then I Had Kids

I began to think about life without my (grand)kids the other day and realized that although my life has changed since I got them I really am glad they are with me. They keep my life from becoming boring.

My hair was always fixed
Not a strand out of place.
I even had time to put
Makeup on my face--
Then I had kids.

I could clean my house
In about an hour
And still have time
For a long hot shower--
But then I had kids.

I could spend all day shopping
Without a single worry.
Take time to browse around
And never had to hurry.
Then I had kids.

Since the kids came along
My life will never be the same
Some days I can't even
Remember my name.
But I love those kids.

Now my house is a mess
With toys and clutter.
"Can't you clean up this mess?"
I often hear Dear Hubby mutter.
But I love those kids.

Now my hair stands on end
And there's no time for showers.
The kids fight and scream
Sometimes for hours.
But love those kids.

Come to think of it
my life has really changed
But, you know, I would't trade it
For anything because
I love those kids.

School Shopping Blues

Back to school shopping always brings back bittersweet memories. Watching frazzled mothers taking their children school shopping reminds me of the times that I took my own two children through this ritual of growing up. The excitement of buying new clothes and attempting to negotiate with the kids to get items that are within budget but will still pass the peer inspection can cause major meltdowns for parents and children.




I remember the scenes with my children–especially my daughter. When she reached her teen years, shopping became a nightmare for both of us. “But Mom, you just don’t understand.” Nobody wears that style anymore!” These words echo through my mind when I see moms and kids going through what must be the universal conflict parents and children have every year at this time of the year.



The other day at a local department store I observed a very interesting exchange between a pre-teen and her mother. The girl was trying to convince her mother to buy a very expensive pair of shoes. The mother was clearly torn between staying within budget and wanting to please her daughter. Just when I thought she was about to cave in to her daughter’s pleadings, the daughter’s attention was diverted to more sensiblwe and less expensive pair. A smile crossed both their faces and peace was restored once again. As the mother paide for the purchase and they walked out the door arm in arm, I smiled and thought of the many times I had gone through the same scenario with my own daughter.



My mind was suddenly jolted back to the present when I heard a familiar voice, “Nanny, why can’t I have these shoes?” I turned my attention back to my own pre-teen granddaughter. She was holding the only shoes in the entire store that would make her truly happy with life and with me.



You see, although my children are now grown I have four grandchildren to care for and three of them will be in school this year. Although years have passed since my own children were in school, school shopping is a yearly ritual that has changed little over the years.



No matter how many tempers flare and disagreements arise, all is forgiven on that all important first day of school when the most beautiful and most intelligent children in world step out of the house and on the bus to embark on a fresh new adventure known as the “first day of school.”





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall is Here

This morning I awoke to a crisp cool Fall day. Good football weather. In fact I had a 9 a.m. football game to watch. It is not one iota less important because it is a 7 year old flag footlball game. In fact give me one of my kids' games anyday over a major league game any day. With steaming cup of coffee in hand I cheered him on to victory. After this exciting game, it was off to a 6 year old's baseball (t-ball) game. Such excitement is hard to take all at once. After watching these future ball champs play a thrilling game, it was home to fix lunch and rest abit. Tonight there is another major game to attend-a 4 year old's t-ball game. How many celebrities can say they attended 3 major events in one day? Oh, did I mention that I am losing my voice--not from cheering but from this crazy bug I have caught. Kids and DH are happy that I can't yell at them but guess what---the old voice will return and then.......

Rest time is over. Time to get in motion again. Maybe I take a Nyquil when I get back home and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Til next time.

Welcome from the Edge

Hi. I am a grandmother with custody of 4 grands. I love caring for them and find that my life is never boring with them around. This morning I have refereed 3 fights, answered 1000 (at least) questions, and fixed 20 pancakes--all before my first cup of coffee. If I sound incoherent and delirious at times, it's because I am.

Hope to have fun with sharing my kids escapades and my ramblings with you.