The Littlest Gentleman

by admin on February 11, 2011 in Do I Call It Parenting Advice?, Four Little Eggs In My Nest, Mama Heart Mushings with 1 Comment

They all get too big for me to be carrying regularly. My poor little men never like the learning curve involved in giving mommy a break. Both boys where BIG smugglers and thus I carried them through out the day while working, in order to get things done, well past there second birthdays. With my oldest I put my back out picking him up one day and that made the process of ‘cling-on independence training’ much more of a crash coarse. With Baby Boy I have been more willing to put up with pain as he is my last baby and I can’t help but want to encourage the luv bug stage to last with my little guys. With hip problems since my last childbirth I now have to admit it is time.

The process is cute really. Step one start talking to him about mommy’s need to stop carrying him so much because he is such a big boy now. Mommy must stop calling him baby and start encouraging him that being a big boy is so much better.

Finding new solutions to their snuggle needs is the big thing. With both trying to sit when ever he wants up and let him sit till he is done worked well. Baby Boy likes it when I will ask for a leg hug instead or get down to his level and let him hug my neck when ever he asks, squeezing till he is done. Extra time is given to him in the morning. Letting him climb into my arms and snuggle on the couch during an early morning nap will often meet his snug quota for the whole day.

Finally, in public my best solution has been ‘you can always hold my hand’ and he does! More then any of my other children he just loves to hold Mommy’s hand. This has become an at home solution too and I am back to one armed cleanup as my two and a half year old follows me around, holding my right hand.

He is getting over the angst that this stage first caused him and is actually a happier boy now. We both are seeing we get more real snuggles this way, it is far more affectionate then just carrying him 24/7. His maturity level has gone up in response to my encouraging him that he is now a big boy and he is becoming as sweet a gentleman as his older brother.

Like his brother he is starting to become very aware of my needs. He will ask if he hurt me when I do pick him up and he with stroke my hand when holding it. My boys are the first to notice a new necklace or outfit and to compliment me. I can’t tell you how fast my heart melts when my Baby Boy says ‘nice neckwace mama, preeeetttttyyyy.’ or when his big brother says ‘oh mom that is a really pretty shirt, is it new?’ I see some serious wife winning skills developing here!

As hard as it is for him, it has been hard for me to convince myself that it was time to stop calling him my baby. It is necessary as with every other opportunity a parent takes to teach their child to live independently of them. My reward is how much happier he is as his desire to be acknowledged as older is granted.

With that, as I changed Big Girl to Eldest Damsel this year; Baby Boy’s blog pet name will now be Little Gentleman.

TTFN

My Artistic Side (eleven)

by admin on February 9, 2011 in Adventure and Me, Better Check Out Links, Bits Of My Personality, Feeling It (Thankful), My Romance with 5 Comments

I listened to a speaker a while back and had used her idea to encourage a friend of mine to see herself as an artist and to enjoy her art, to engage her artistic side fearlessly… So easy to be generous to others in that way! The concept was we have all been taught to doubt our artistic side, to compare it and thus hide it… believing it never adds up too art. She believed it was healthy for EVERYONE to explore and enjoy their artistic side, to call it art and express it because that is part of being us.

(The producer.)

Garnet would never say it but I think he is finding me a bit on the ridiculous side. He is being very patient with me this time round, as I take my time warming up to the idea of being involved in music again. I don’t want to go for the mainstream feel so here is what I decided to do to get my feet wet again… hymns… we are going to work on the hymns I learned last year and started with one I know really really well to just get me going.

He put it up on his myspace and I guess that is when I became ridiculous. I asked him to leave it up for my mom and dad cuz I knew they would love it and not judge but then when I heard he shared it with a couple friends I insisted it COME DOWN. It’s nerves okay! I didn’t used to have them when it came to singing but I also always did it live and that seemed different… recording and hearing your own voice is kind of unnerving, I don’t think I have ever really listened to a recording of myself before.Anyhow, this is a project for my man and me. I really do love him and love doing this with him so here is the link to our first version of ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’. I am putting this subject under the label of romance because I am blessed to have a husband who encourages me to enjoy my artistic side and under my adventures because getting back into music is just that, a big adventure for me. I haven’t always been thankful for the pull at my heart to engage in artistic expression… it was often a stress to me because of low self esteem. Today, lately, I am honestly very thankful for my artistic side, just as I have been very thankful for others artistic sides for years.

TTFN

Testify (Marriage Monday)

by admin on February 7, 2011 in Bits Of My Personality, Feeling It (Thankful), Marriage Monday, My Year of Right Sacrifice-TIME with 8 Comments

I have always attended church…was raised in a little conservative fellowship chapel. Made a commitment to follow Christ at 14 years of age and became part of a charismatic group. This choice was birthed out of years of emotional struggle and pain. A feeling of insecurity at home and at school left me feeling unhinged. The climax was when my Grandpa died. Living as a regular member of my culture held nothing for that volatile adolescent me… I wanted out and thank the Lord he found me before I completed my own solution.

Salvation was a choice of desperation… I felt I had no other choice at that point in life. Perhaps this is why I had no real idea what this choice really meant and for many years I mostly saw it throw selfish eyes… as if the relationship was for me and my benefit…Christ was a part of the puzzle and along for the ride…church was a place we where commanded to attended and might get a good high from…

I am now in a place where I question how much I have really counted the cost of following Jesus Christ. Have I really left it all to follow him and given up my self in true worship? Is he my life or just a piece? Do I invest in the body of Christ, The Church, or just attend a church?I am looking at breaking out of another cultural norm, feeling as if I need to go beyond the limits of comfort that the north American church has set for me… wanting more.

I found it strange to share my testimony at this time in my life, because in some ways I feel like I am at a point of greater transformation then when I said that initial prayer in tears. I used to go into great detail about the sad little me lead to Christ and the fire-y little me that followed the sinners prayer but now I am feeling like I must not allow myself to stay there. I am desiring more growth then I have thought necessary or possible for the last several years of my Christian walk.

I am truly thankful for the beautiful and the painful lessons that I have experienced. Wouldn’t trade in a single experience that has made me who I am today. Excited about what the future will hold. Desiring to grow in love always and I am seeking to live for Christ NOW.

LINKS to related posts RIGHT HERE and RIGHT HERE.

First Monday of every month at Chrysalis

TTFN

by admin on February 7, 2011 in Uncategorized with No comments

Testify (Marriage Monday)

by admin on February 6, 2011 in Bits Of My Personality, Feeling It (Thankful), Marriage Monday, My Year of Right Sacrifice-TIME with No comments

I have always attended church…was raised in a little conservative fellowship chapel. Made a commitment to follow Christ at 14 years of age and became part of a charismatic group. This choice was birthed out of years of emotional struggle and pain. A feeling of insecurity at home and at school left me feeling unhinged. The climax was when my Grandpa died. Living as a regular member of my culture held nothing for that volatile adolescent me…

I had no real idea what this choice to be a Christian meant and for many years I mostly saw it throw selfish eyes… as if the relationship was for me and my benefit…Christ was a part of the puzzle and along for the ride…church was a place we where commanded to attended and might get a good high from…

I am now in a place where I question how much I have really counted the cost of following Jesus Christ. Have I really left it all to follow him and given up my self in true worship? Is he my life or just a piece? Do I invest in the body of Christ, The Church, or just attend a church?I am looking at breaking out of another cultural norm, feeling as if I need to go beyond the limits of comfort that the north American church has set for me… wanting more.

I found it strange to share my testimony at this time in my life, because in some ways I feel like I am at a point of greater transformation then when I said that initial prayer in tears. I used to go into great detail about the sad little me lead to Christ and the fire-y little me that followed the sinners prayer but now I am feeling like I must not allow myself to stay there. I am desiring more growth then I have thought necessary or possible for the last several years of my Christian walk.

I am truly thankful for the beautiful and the painful lessons that I have experienced. Wouldn’t trade in a single experience that has made me who I am today. Excited about what the future will hold. Desiring to grow in love always and I am seeking to live for Christ NOW.

LINKS to related posts RIGHT HERE and RIGHT HERE.

TTFN

Snow Family

by admin on February 6, 2011 in Bits Of My Personality, Four Little Eggs In My Nest, Little Things with 1 Comment

Daddy is on the far left with the little round snow hat. Next is myself (the mommy) and then little Baby Boy in front, Eldest Damsel behind him, Big Boy next with Little Woman right near by and Riddick the dog in front.

It was a remarkably lovely February day with a little falling snow and higher temperatures. My crew took advantage and where very busy for hours. They only came in once soaked through. With great enthusiasm they insisted I come out to meet their snow family before they retired to the house for good.

(My adorable eldest son, petting the snow dog.)

Our Friday was very busy with a dance and movie birthday bash for Eldest Damsel and Sunday is showing signs of not being so restful, honestly as it so often is, so we had a simple day at home today… snoozing, playing in the yard, trip to the toboggan hill, warm baths, much snacking and cozy cups of tea. Saturday was my lovely day of rest this week.

TTFN

Transforming Worship (ten)

by admin on February 2, 2011 in Better Check Out Links, Feeling It (Thankful), My Year of Right Sacrifice-TIME with No comments
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
ROMANS 12:1 (NIV)

Been involved in more conversations then I can count about what worship should look like… To be honest I am really tired of worrying about music and service style. I feel like praise is what often happens on Sundays but I am not convinced worship has a regular place there, not the worship Paul expresses… I still don’t understand our current church cultures idea of worship. Thus I have been craving a clear definition and as you go through Paul’s teaching he lays out worship as not a song and dance thing but a LIFE SACRIFICE thing. Being able to trust so clearly in the love and mercy of our God that we willingly offer ALL OF US in true worship.

By dwelling on this truth and then going through a journal of mine from a few years back I was able to see a pattern in my walk that has held me back…

MY CHRISTIAN WALK WAS ON REPEAT!

Influenced by the church culture I came into when saved I was a high seeker. Selfishly viewing church and all possible Christian experiences as for me and my spiritual mountain climbing benefit I was completely missing the boat! It took many many ups and downs; dry patches or apathetic patches and then flying high experiences for me to grow tired with this rat race… Looking back at my scribbles in my journal I am even more horrified at the futility of it all.

Thank God he started pulling me out of my comfort zone! I was comfortable with deja vu!

Today I can honestly say I am looking for lasting consistent joy or happiness in all circumstances and I like to think that even back then that was my goal. What I lacked was an all consuming relationship with Christ. I wanted to drive and he was a passenger… I would only start to give it , or more honestly, bits of it all up to him once I was again bludgeoned with my own shortcomings! That isn’t worship! That is about me still!

This was my way not Christs. In order to grow Christ requires ALL. He requires my true worship as the message puts it; ‘Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.’

So what now? Well Paul covers that in the following verses in Romans 12. A wealth of opportunity to break bad habits and unlearn incorrect lessons. This true worship of my Lord will lead me to the place where I can understand his will in my life and will be able to willingly follow him.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. ROMANS 12:2 (the message)

Worship is sacrifice and so I think I finally see why last years word was sacrifice. I am thankful for Christ’s changing power in my life and thankful that he loves me so much I CAN trust and lay it all at his feet.

P.S. Link RIGHT HERE to the last message in a transformation message series, check them all out! I hope to go through them with a fine tooth comb because I have come to realize there is so much more to becoming and being a Christian then saying a little sinners prayer. I am SO ready for this!

TTFN

by admin on February 1, 2011 in Uncategorized with No comments

by admin on February 1, 2011 in Uncategorized with No comments

It all starts with an understanding of your total security in Christs love. This is ment to be learned in community. We should be able to learn and extend love and mercy to our brothers and sisters in the Lord NO matter how messed up we ALL are.

The second step is understanding and practicing true worship. This is puttig off shelfish patterns and behavior and offering your WHOLE SELF. Not an act spured on by an epifiny of how faulty we are but done as THE act of worship.

Third there is a renewal of the mind. Time to process a clear vision of life once you no longer have Jesus as just a passanger. This involves accnologing what you MUST stop telling yourself and what you must stop doing. Then you must accept the truth that God is telling you.

Once you are doing this you will be able to test and see clearly what God’s plan is for your life and this will always include putting back into community and sharing your gifts to edify one another.

Find a community that will help you make the new God given habits right over the old habits and behaviors.

TTFN

One Year Ago! SO THANKFUL! (nine)

by admin on January 29, 2011 in Better Check Out Links, Bits Of My Personality, Feeling It (Thankful), People In My Heart with 4 Comments
(My Dad and his eldest daughters.)

My family grew by 8 in one day! My sisters found us and with them we gained their husbands and two nieces and two nephews! It all started with the call Kathleen made. Then there was a search on facebook and I spotted a photo of Kathleen and Amber and just knew. We all took our turns contacting one another. Yes we where all a bit stunned but there was also a tone of being thankful; it was time.

(There they are! MY FOUR SIBLINGS! Funny thing about this picture is I am pretty sure Jesse is the tallest of the five of us and he is sitting while the other three try to look like the tallest!)

(ALWAYS wanted sisters!)

Amber joined facebook and as I helped her walk through that we got to know one another more. I still will scroll and scroll back to our very early communications and sit and read in wonder. My heart will probably always swell with thankfulness when I think of their families being part of my life.

(Kathleen and Amber catch up on their big sister duties, poor Jesse…)
(Amber being a bossy big sister… well actually we where playing some ridiculously embarrassing game the first time we got together, to help lighten the mood I suppose! Too fun really!)
(Sibling love, at our first rock concert together! The first rock concert is very important when getting to know family!)

What a wonderful way to be reminded to be so thankful for all the members of your family, even the ones you have always known and had regular contact with. We always knew we where a crew of five kids but to go officially from the three to the five was a dream come true.

Related link RIGHT HERE:)

TTFN

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →