If you missed today's meeting (as did I - had to make an unscheduled visit to the pediatric dentist - everyone is okay!) then you missed out on learning how to make Carol's YUMMY pies! There was also a sock exchange and much fun and festivity.
We won't meet again until January 15th, with GUM meetings on the 3rd and 5th Thursdays of January.
HOWEVER - we are doing a Pint-Sized Adventure on January 8th. There will be more follow-up emails coming, so watch for those after the first of the year!
Carol's Recipe's from this morning:
Betty Crocker 8 or 9 inch Two Crust Pie
(But you are really going to make 3 crusts from it)
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4-5 tablespoons cold water
Whip as 4 tbs water into the shortening. Add salt and flour and mix with a fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (adding remaining water if needed). Divide dough into three pieces and shape into rounds on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Roll pastry 2 inches larger than inverted pie plate. Fold pastry into quarters; unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side.
"His Favorite" Apple Pie
Make pie crust. Line a 9" pie pan with first crust. Prepare 6-8 cups pared, cored thin apple slices. Arrange half of slices in pastry-lined pan.
Mix 1 cup sugar,
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Sprinkle half of this mixture over apples in pan. Arrange remaining slices on top and cover with remaining sugar mixture. Dot 1 tablespoon butter over filling. Roll remaining dough and lay over apples. Fold under edges of bottom crust, press together to seal. Cut decorative slits in top for steam to escape. Brush pastry with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in hot oven (425 F.) 45-55 minutes.
We also talked about a streusel topping for pumpkin pie. This is the recipe for Gingerbread Pumpkin Pie with streusel topping (from Cuisine At Home Magazine).
for the pie--
1 baked pie shell
2 eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 Tbsp. molasses
1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)
1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. table salt
1 cup heavy cream
for the streusel topping--
1/4 cup crushed gingersnaps
2 Tbsp. chopped pecans
2 Tbsp. chopped crystallized ginger
2 Tbsp. butter melted
Preheat oven to 375.
Whisk eggs, brown sugar, and molasses together in a bowl until combined. Add pumpkin puree ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, and stir until blended. Stir in cream until mixture is smooth; pour into prepared pie shell and bake until set, about 40 minutes. Prepare streusel topping while pie is baking. Combine gingersnaps, pecans, crystallized ginger, and butter in a bowl until gingersnaps are saturated with butter.
Scatter streusel generously over the center of the pie and return to oven. Bake until center is set, pie puffs in the center, and streusel is crisp, 15-20 minutes more. If needed, shield pie. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
12/18/2008
12/17/2008
Easy Button Tree Craft
I pulled this one together last week, when BOTH girls were feeling crafty. I had planned on Emma doing a button wreath craft I picked up from Oriental Trading Co. but I only had one and Audrey was intent on being involved.So I got out my felt and cut some Christmas trees out, pulled out our box of assorted buttons and the tacky glue and let them have at it.
Turned out pretty good, and kept thier attention for at least 30 minutes. Success!!
12/10/2008
Nativity Conversations
A couple of days ago, I overheard Emma playing with our childs nativity. She was acting out some sort of scene in which Mary and Joseph were leaving the baby behind. An open door to talk about Jesus never leaving! What other opportunities have you had this month? Tell us about it!
Listening to her gave me a chuckle but it also hit home. How often do we leave Jesus behind in the hustle and bustle of this season? Just another good reminder from my kiddos just what we're celebrating this season. Not the gifts and the decorations and all such things, but God coming to earth as a tiny baby. A humble beginning with so much purpose!
Which brings me to the COD Living Nativity. If its not on your callendar yet, its this weekend! Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6-9pm on COD's hillside. I hope I'll see each one of you there, as you experience the nativity with your kids.
Listening to her gave me a chuckle but it also hit home. How often do we leave Jesus behind in the hustle and bustle of this season? Just another good reminder from my kiddos just what we're celebrating this season. Not the gifts and the decorations and all such things, but God coming to earth as a tiny baby. A humble beginning with so much purpose!
Which brings me to the COD Living Nativity. If its not on your callendar yet, its this weekend! Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6-9pm on COD's hillside. I hope I'll see each one of you there, as you experience the nativity with your kids.
12/09/2008
Adventures in Turkey: Final Chapter
The finished bird.
I can't believe it! I've made a turkey!! And we ate it and it was juicy and tasty and delicious.
Here's the finished bird (prior to eating, of course):
Now the wings got a bit crispy there. Not sure why that happened, as I covered it loosely with tin foil pretty early on.
This beauty took a full 5 1/2 hours to cook at 350. I don't think it should have taken that long, so I think I better have my oven temp checked for accuracy. But it did finally hit 365 in the middle stuffing there, much to my relief.
So what have I learned?
I learned cooking a turkey makes your house smell yummy. Which makes me feel warm fuzzies and all homey.
I learned that doing something hard you've never done before is usually easier than you think it will be. Which makes me feel confident and adventurous.
I learned that at almost 30, I'm still calling my mom (and dad) when I need help. Which makes me feel safe and well loved.
I learned naming a turkey Tom can be confusing for others. And well, that just makes me giggle.
Thank you for following along this epic-to-me story. I hope you enjoyed it! What will you try for the first time now??
I can't believe it! I've made a turkey!! And we ate it and it was juicy and tasty and delicious.
Here's the finished bird (prior to eating, of course):Now the wings got a bit crispy there. Not sure why that happened, as I covered it loosely with tin foil pretty early on.
This beauty took a full 5 1/2 hours to cook at 350. I don't think it should have taken that long, so I think I better have my oven temp checked for accuracy. But it did finally hit 365 in the middle stuffing there, much to my relief.
So what have I learned?
I learned cooking a turkey makes your house smell yummy. Which makes me feel warm fuzzies and all homey.
I learned that doing something hard you've never done before is usually easier than you think it will be. Which makes me feel confident and adventurous.
I learned that at almost 30, I'm still calling my mom (and dad) when I need help. Which makes me feel safe and well loved.
I learned naming a turkey Tom can be confusing for others. And well, that just makes me giggle.
Thank you for following along this epic-to-me story. I hope you enjoyed it! What will you try for the first time now??
Adventures in Making a Turkey: Part One
You can read the full adventure here: Karen's Blog
Here's the highlights:
Giving Tom a bath.
This baby is resting before he gets stuffed!!
Brining smells yummy. Raw turkey not so much. But with only one quick call for a back up opinion, I have successfully clean and brined my turkey. In a couple hours I'll be making the stuffing, stuffing Tom and sticking him in the oven. IT'S TURKEY DAY!!!
Here's the highlights:
Making the Brine.
Giving Tom a bath.
This baby is resting before he gets stuffed!!
Brining smells yummy. Raw turkey not so much. But with only one quick call for a back up opinion, I have successfully clean and brined my turkey. In a couple hours I'll be making the stuffing, stuffing Tom and sticking him in the oven. IT'S TURKEY DAY!!!
12/08/2008
Greater Than Flashcards
This is actually from a few weeks ago, but I thought you all would enjoy it just the same.
I was teaching Emma the concept of "greater than" today. So I pulled out the dollar store 3x5 cards and the stickers I have stocked away.
Together we made flashcards, 1-10. Each got a number sticker and then we put the corresponding number of objects on the card too. So the number 1 got one cow. And so forth. I also made one > card. Then I explained the "greater than" symbol and what it means facing each way. I used the old pacman analogy here, and actually drew a little > with a head. Like a giant open mouth, because Greater Than Man, likes to eat the most.
Together we made flashcards, 1-10. Each got a number sticker and then we put the corresponding number of objects on the card too. So the number 1 got one cow. And so forth. I also made one > card. Then I explained the "greater than" symbol and what it means facing each way. I used the old pacman analogy here, and actually drew a little > with a head. Like a giant open mouth, because Greater Than Man, likes to eat the most.She giggled and I totally didn't think she was getting it. But then one right after the other, she picked two cards and put the greater than sign between them. And I bet some of your little ones will enjoy this too. It was easy, fun and cheap. (Although, now I have to buy a laminator so the cards will be around longer than today, but that's a whole other thing.)
12/05/2008
Adventures in Cooking a Turkey: Prologue
Yesterday at GUM we had a tutorial on cooking. We covered two things: making a turkey, and some desserts. The desserts were de-lish...but what I really want to focus on is making a turkey. (Thanks Tina and Carol for you fab demos!!)
I'll be 30 next month, in 35 days to be exact, and if you've been reading my blog or ever had a conversation with me, you're likely to know I haven't handled the prospect of turning 30 with much grace. In fact, my husband has planned something special for me in an effort to coax me into my 30's. I told him it better be good, or I'm staying 29. I've also spent some time over the last year trying to come up with a list of things I should do before turning 30. I hadn't had much success with this list - until now.
I'll be 30 next month, in 35 days to be exact, and if you've been reading my blog or ever had a conversation with me, you're likely to know I haven't handled the prospect of turning 30 with much grace. In fact, my husband has planned something special for me in an effort to coax me into my 30's. I told him it better be good, or I'm staying 29. I've also spent some time over the last year trying to come up with a list of things I should do before turning 30. I hadn't had much success with this list - until now.
Before I turn 30, I'm going to cook a turkey. My first turkey. Ever. I've never even HELPED make a turkey. Actually I've never even cooked a whole chicken. So this will be my maiden voyage in poultry. Probably a bit ambitious I know, but then I'm an ambitious kind of gal. I admit I am motivated by the thought of eating a wonderful turkey sandwhich (as they seem to have eluded me and my household so far this year). There's nothing like a leftover turkey sandwhich. And that's coming from the girl who thinks we should have ham at every holiday.
Either way, I'm making a turkey. I've comitted. I've posted about it here. And the adventure begins. I hope you'll follow me along the journey and are inspired and humored right along with me.
I'm off to read through Melinda Lee's website to read up on the recipe, the brine and make a list for the grocery store. Check back Monday for my next entry in Adventures in Making a Turkey.
11/27/2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Emma and I made this Thankful Turkey. The foam turkey part was pretty easy and then we sat and carefully thought about what things we were thankful for. Both mama and kiddo were pretty pleased (especially since I made the list)!
But it got me thinking. Almost all of the things on her turkey were people. And right in the middle of this lightbulb I got my Tipping Points. Pastor Ed writes weekly Tipping points, which if you don't subscribe, you should and can do so here. Following is an excerpt:
This Thanksgiving, when someone asks me what I’m most thankful for, my answer will be the most tangible expression of His grace on earth—friends and loved ones who walk with us on this path as disciples of Christ Jesus.
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
We are the expression of His grace on earth - how true this is and how very thankful for each of my friends and family.
Whatever your blessings have been this year, I hope you spend time telling our Heavenly Father just how thankful for you are for each of the blessings in your life. If you haven't yet, now's a good time.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
11/23/2008
Birth Journal
Though I haven't started yearly birthday journals for my girls (yet!), I have created each thier own birth story books. It's just a small bound photobook of pictures of the pregnancy, the entire birth story, and pictures of the birth and first few days. I'm hoping you can view mine here. And you'll find inspiration for your own. Someday I know the girls will treasure these as much as I already do!
Tina has inspired me in so many ways, you're going to get sick of hearing what I'm doing!! But non-the-less, I'm going to share. And I hope she inspired you too. So what have you already begun to do intentionally as a parent? Did you come up with a tradition you want to start? Share it in the comments or send me an email and I'll post it here.
Tina has inspired me in so many ways, you're going to get sick of hearing what I'm doing!! But non-the-less, I'm going to share. And I hope she inspired you too. So what have you already begun to do intentionally as a parent? Did you come up with a tradition you want to start? Share it in the comments or send me an email and I'll post it here.
11/22/2008
Being Intentional about Christmas preparation
If you're like me about mid-December I think about decorating my house and pointing my children's activities towards Christmas. I've had a small advent calendar for two or three years now, still unused, as I can't remember to get it out in the first few days of December. So this year, I'm starting early - because I'm going to become an intentional parent. I started with wanting to do something adventy all month long to help the little ones understand little bits at a time. So here are a couple of books. I've already picked up the first:
Getting Ready for Christmas is a daily advent prayer and activity book for the family. Each day leading up to Christmas has a scripture to read and a few sentence devotional. It includes a prayer and an activity that coincides. I'm really excited, and so are the kids, since its been sitting out for about a week now, they keep asking to read it, but I'm waiting. Which is proving to be quite the build up.
Getting Ready for Christmas is a daily advent prayer and activity book for the family. Each day leading up to Christmas has a scripture to read and a few sentence devotional. It includes a prayer and an activity that coincides. I'm really excited, and so are the kids, since its been sitting out for about a week now, they keep asking to read it, but I'm waiting. Which is proving to be quite the build up. When I mentioned the above book to another seasoned mom she shared her favorite book from when her children were small, The Best Thing About Christmas. (This one is only $4 bucks on amazon!)
11/21/2008
Intentional Parenting Ideas
Session Two with Tina included a number of fantastic ideas to build unity, memories and family fun! Which one are you going to start?
Record Keeping:
Birthday Journals - Yearly journal entries sharing your heart, your memories and your prayers for your children.
Thanksgiving Journal - keep a record of thanks for your family. Bring it to thanksgiving every year and fill it up in between too.
Stones: Stones of Rememberance. Joshua 4:5b-7 "Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Making Memories:
What ideas were you inspired with?
Record Keeping:
Birthday Journals - Yearly journal entries sharing your heart, your memories and your prayers for your children.
Thanksgiving Journal - keep a record of thanks for your family. Bring it to thanksgiving every year and fill it up in between too.
Stones: Stones of Rememberance. Joshua 4:5b-7 "Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Making Memories:
- Birthdays - midnight phone calls in order to be the first one to wish a happy birthday.
- Special Plate for meals, with a book that recorded the special person, reason, meal and date.
- Sunday Morning Breakfasts: everyone seems to be able to get ready in time for breakfast out, why not make it a tradition?
- Pajama Runs: Getting the kids back up after they've been put to bed and taking them out in jammies for a special treat. Dessert at a restaurant, a special visit to gramma's, viewing holiday lights -and only one rule - NO ASKING if tonight is a pajama run night.
- Plate-Over Night - flip thier dinner plate upside down over a simple treat.
- Me and My Mom/Dad trips - take them somewhere just the two of you and enjoy each other!
What ideas were you inspired with?
11/20/2008
November: Intentional Parenting
If you missed one of the two Gum meetings in November, I won't lie, you really missed out. Tina shared with us a wealth of information all geared around the idea of intentional parenting. I'll do my best to share with you all the seeds of wisdom she passed on to us, but I'm sure I'll forget something. If I do, would those of you who were there please post a comment, because none of us want to miss one tiny seed.
Thank you Tina for sharing your heart with us about parenting. You've encouraged and inspired me, and I'm already 'growing up' a little more!
Intentional Parenting: treating your parenting like you would a ministry. Ministry requires preparation, discussion, goals, meetings, strategies and assessment. Intentional parenting is "having a purpose for what you do, rather thand doing what has to be done." Whew! That's a lot more than just waking up each day, feeding and carpooling the kiddos!
Good thing the Lord tells us in James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Thank you Tina for sharing your heart with us about parenting. You've encouraged and inspired me, and I'm already 'growing up' a little more!
Intentional Parenting: treating your parenting like you would a ministry. Ministry requires preparation, discussion, goals, meetings, strategies and assessment. Intentional parenting is "having a purpose for what you do, rather thand doing what has to be done." Whew! That's a lot more than just waking up each day, feeding and carpooling the kiddos!
Good thing the Lord tells us in James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Here is a list of tools for the minsitry, I know you'll find them helpful, just like I did:
Parenting Weekends: Time away to focus on the ministry of parenting your children.
Determine your goals. Work towards those goals with specific activites geared towards desired behaviors which exhibit your goals.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Know your kids strengths and weaknesses, list them, so you can work on ways to help them cultivate and conquer them.
Dinner Table Dialogue: The Question Basket. A basket with one question for each member, drawn at random.
Family Fun Club: Family preparation for the meal (each child with a task: setting the table/seating arrangement, decorations, dessert). Question Basket at dinner. Family Game, Teaching Time, Famiy Meeting and Dessert. All with a purpose/theme and goal.
Regrets Exercise: Imagine its 10 years from now (or more) and your little ones are headed out on thier own. What will you regret having not taught them? What will you regret having not done with them? What always/nevers do you want them to remember?
Tina's Recommended Reading:
- Raising Great Kids by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
- 1000 Questions (I couldn't find this, but check out Table Topics Conversation Cards - Family Edition by TableTopics)
- The New Dare to Discipline by James C. Dobson
- The New Hide or Seek: Building Self-Esteem in Your Child by James C. Dobson
10/27/2008
Great Kids Devotional Book
So Emma went to get a book to read before bed tonight and came back with this one.
I've had this book since I was a child, but haven't thought much of it until tonight.
Tonight I read a devotional to Emma from it, and memories of my mother and father reading them to me flooded back. I don't think this is my original copy, but it very well may be. Either way, Amazon has used hardback copies starting at one cent. Now that's a deal.
Anyway, this book is comprised of two-page spreads which include a picture and a devotional including probing age appropriate questions, a related prayer and a verse.
Emma thinks they're fantastic and I really do too. Guess my mother was right on!
Giants Steps for Little People by Kenneth N. Taylor
10/17/2008
She's Crafty
I thought I'd post a few nature enthusiasts from friday's, She's Crafty. These little budding artists went "green" for the morning and created the most adorable nature friendly artwork.
Take a peek at these cuties and their masterpieces!
10/16/2008
October Speaker Resources
If you weren't with us for GUM this month - fear not. I have speaker notes.
October has been all about our family of origin. Learning about where we've come from and how that affects and effects us as we parent our own children. Judy Underwood and our very own Titus 2 mom, Carol L. shared about their own stories - thanks ladies for sharing your hearts with us!
Below you'll find a whole gamut of resources - books the ladies recommended, which aided thier own journeys as women and parents. So drive by the library and pick one up, (they're also all available at Amazon).
Judy's Recommendations:
Confident Children and How They Grow by Richard L. Strauss
Children Are Wet Cement by Anne Ortlund
What is a Family by Edith Shaffer
Carol's Recommendations:
Devotionals
The Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt Redmond
31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers
Spiritual Life
Set Apart; Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life by Kent Hughes
Celebration of Discipline; The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
The Great Omission; Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship by Dallas Willard
Child-Rearing
Dare to Discipline by James Dobson
How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell, M.D.
You and Your Child by Charles Swindoll
Carol also recommended the blog from Leadership Catalyst at http://truefaced.com/blog/
October has been all about our family of origin. Learning about where we've come from and how that affects and effects us as we parent our own children. Judy Underwood and our very own Titus 2 mom, Carol L. shared about their own stories - thanks ladies for sharing your hearts with us!
Below you'll find a whole gamut of resources - books the ladies recommended, which aided thier own journeys as women and parents. So drive by the library and pick one up, (they're also all available at Amazon).
Judy's Recommendations:
Confident Children and How They Grow by Richard L. Strauss
Children Are Wet Cement by Anne Ortlund
What is a Family by Edith Shaffer
Carol's Recommendations:
Devotionals
The Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt Redmond
31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers
Spiritual Life
Set Apart; Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life by Kent Hughes
Celebration of Discipline; The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
The Great Omission; Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship by Dallas Willard
Child-Rearing
Dare to Discipline by James Dobson
How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell, M.D.
You and Your Child by Charles Swindoll
Carol also recommended the blog from Leadership Catalyst at http://truefaced.com/blog/
10/15/2008
Costume Exchange
This Thursday we'll be having a Costume Exchange. If you have a costume you no longer want or need, kids out grew it, etc. bring it on Thursday.
The rules are simple. Bring one to exchange or one to donate. If you brought one (or three) you can take home one (or three) or none if you'd prefer. Mamas who brought have first choice, and then we'll open it up to the entire group. Please bring them labelled by size.
So dig through those closets and storage boxes in the garage and pull out those costumes or dress up clothes and bring them with you on Thursday.
I'll be bringing the ladybug above and this dandy sweet pea (child not included). What have you got?
God is love.
I am a woman and most likely if you’re reading this, you are too. Nothing can change that I am woman. It’s who I am. [I know you wonder where I'm going...but stay with me...]
God is love. I am so not love. I feel love. I experience love. I give love. But I am not love. God is love. It is not a feeling or an experience or an action, it is who He is. God IS love. And He loves us. He loves you. He loves me. He love our kids. And nothing can change that God is love, and he loves us.
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A couple weekends ago I attended the COD women’s mini retreat, a video conference by Beth Moore on the topic of love. And this concept of 'God is love' hit me in a new and refreshing way. As unchangeable as I am woman, God is love. And he pours out his love on me so that I might love others. His love overwhelms me, it heals me, and it spurs me to love when I can’t do it alone.
So I was reminded of this when I woke one morning after a long week of emotional exhaustion and ministry and thought I can’t do this, I can’t love these children or these other people in my life anymore today, I’m still exhausted from yesterday. Or last week. Or maybe the last month. I know you mamas know this exhuastion. Its the one that makes you doubt your ablity to play with, change, or run errands with your little ones. Its the exhaustion that spurs you to let voicemail answer your calls, or have cereal for dinner. The exhaustion that leaves your emotions raw from the heartache that comes with life sometimes, and un-able to give anything else, to anyone.
But that morning when I woke and felt unable to manage my day and desired nothing but to hide under the covers until everyone stopped poking me - it was then, right there in my comfy cozy bed, in a moment with God, when He reminded me of an amazing truth. When I am unable, God is able. When I am exhausted, God gives me strength. When I am weary, God gives me rest. When I am afraid, He gives me courage. When I am worried, He gives me peace. When I am broken-hearted, He heals my wounds. What is impossible for me to do today, is possible because of God. Because He loves me and His love fills me. I have all the resources I need in Him.
What’s impossible for you today? Are you exhausted, weary, or afraid? Tell Him. His love is unfailing and enduring. Let His love fill you.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Carol will be sharing more of her insights from the women's mini-retreat on Thursday - don't miss it!
God is love. I am so not love. I feel love. I experience love. I give love. But I am not love. God is love. It is not a feeling or an experience or an action, it is who He is. God IS love. And He loves us. He loves you. He loves me. He love our kids. And nothing can change that God is love, and he loves us.
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A couple weekends ago I attended the COD women’s mini retreat, a video conference by Beth Moore on the topic of love. And this concept of 'God is love' hit me in a new and refreshing way. As unchangeable as I am woman, God is love. And he pours out his love on me so that I might love others. His love overwhelms me, it heals me, and it spurs me to love when I can’t do it alone.
So I was reminded of this when I woke one morning after a long week of emotional exhaustion and ministry and thought I can’t do this, I can’t love these children or these other people in my life anymore today, I’m still exhausted from yesterday. Or last week. Or maybe the last month. I know you mamas know this exhuastion. Its the one that makes you doubt your ablity to play with, change, or run errands with your little ones. Its the exhaustion that spurs you to let voicemail answer your calls, or have cereal for dinner. The exhaustion that leaves your emotions raw from the heartache that comes with life sometimes, and un-able to give anything else, to anyone.
But that morning when I woke and felt unable to manage my day and desired nothing but to hide under the covers until everyone stopped poking me - it was then, right there in my comfy cozy bed, in a moment with God, when He reminded me of an amazing truth. When I am unable, God is able. When I am exhausted, God gives me strength. When I am weary, God gives me rest. When I am afraid, He gives me courage. When I am worried, He gives me peace. When I am broken-hearted, He heals my wounds. What is impossible for me to do today, is possible because of God. Because He loves me and His love fills me. I have all the resources I need in Him.
What’s impossible for you today? Are you exhausted, weary, or afraid? Tell Him. His love is unfailing and enduring. Let His love fill you.
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Carol will be sharing more of her insights from the women's mini-retreat on Thursday - don't miss it!
10/07/2008
Pint Sized Adventure: LA Zoo
Here's all the info for the Pint-sized Adventure this THURSDAY, OCT. 9th. We'll be meeting at the gate at 10:30, try and be on time so we can all go in together. As I mentioned, a number of us are members and can get people in on our passes, as well as I have some free tickets too.
Please let me know if you plan on coming! Bring a lunch and we'll picnic in the park or playground after we've seen some animals.
DIRECTIONS:
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park at the junction of the I-5 (Golden State) and the 134 (Ventura) freeways. The Zoo is directly across from the Autry Museum of Western Heritage.
Take the 210 West to the Westbound 134: Use far right lane approaching I-5 (Golden State) Freeway coming out of Glendale. Follow signs indicating 134 (Ventura) Freeway. Exit Zoo Drive, continue past soccer fields, across the bridge to the parking lot (this is a big loop around and under the fwy).
Here are their prices for your reference:
General Admission Prices
Adults (ages 13 - up) $12
Seniors (age 62 and up) $9
Children (ages 2 to 12) $7
Children (under 2) Free
Parking Free
Fun ZOO Concentration game to play with your kids (or by yourself)!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THURSDAY!!
10/06/2008
Bracelets, Boogers, and Beads...oh my!
Just thought I would drop by a humorous Willmer happening....
Today the girls and I were making sweet little charm bracelets from a kit Emma was given as a birthday gift. Everything was going well. Titus was munching on some plastic pretend scissors, Emma was focusing in on the perfect dazzling bracelet, and Addie was shaking her head (like you do when your trying to get water out of your ear), only she was doing it in the forward motion-not to the side. Then I noticed, she started sticking her finger up there too. I giggled thinking she was trying to shake a booger out of her nose. And so I asked her, "Are you trying to shake a boogie out?" She giggled and answered "No." I said, "What are you doing then?" She replied, "Trying to get out a bead, it's stuck." You may have thought I should have immediately known it was a bead, not a booger, after all we were working with beads. I thought we were in the clear for situations like these. You see in 6 years, none of my kids have stuck anything in their noses (and have had plenty of chances too), but boogies-those we have always had in great abundance. So, to me a booger made sense. Maybe the reason they have never stuck anything up there is because it was usually already occupied. Anywho, not panicking I asked her to cover the vacant nostril and blow out with the other. This girl cannot blow her own nose, so, the chances were slim, and I felt almost certain tweezers were in my immediate future. To my amazement it came shooting out and with such great force it pelted off my leg...causing all three of us to laugh out load. That little pink bead was tucked way up there so far, that I thought it was purple until it came out.
Today the girls and I were making sweet little charm bracelets from a kit Emma was given as a birthday gift. Everything was going well. Titus was munching on some plastic pretend scissors, Emma was focusing in on the perfect dazzling bracelet, and Addie was shaking her head (like you do when your trying to get water out of your ear), only she was doing it in the forward motion-not to the side. Then I noticed, she started sticking her finger up there too. I giggled thinking she was trying to shake a booger out of her nose. And so I asked her, "Are you trying to shake a boogie out?" She giggled and answered "No." I said, "What are you doing then?" She replied, "Trying to get out a bead, it's stuck." You may have thought I should have immediately known it was a bead, not a booger, after all we were working with beads. I thought we were in the clear for situations like these. You see in 6 years, none of my kids have stuck anything in their noses (and have had plenty of chances too), but boogies-those we have always had in great abundance. So, to me a booger made sense. Maybe the reason they have never stuck anything up there is because it was usually already occupied. Anywho, not panicking I asked her to cover the vacant nostril and blow out with the other. This girl cannot blow her own nose, so, the chances were slim, and I felt almost certain tweezers were in my immediate future. To my amazement it came shooting out and with such great force it pelted off my leg...causing all three of us to laugh out load. That little pink bead was tucked way up there so far, that I thought it was purple until it came out.
Thank you God for pink beads and for the safe evacuations of them :)
10/04/2008
10/01/2008
Coming Up This Month: OCTOBER
October Theme: Family of Origin - Ties that Bind
October 2nd: Guest Speaker Judy Underwood
October 9th: Pint-sized Adventure
Meet us at the LA Zoo at 10:30, just inside the gate. We'll visit the animals and picnic at the playground.
October 16th: Carol Lougmagne shares what she learned from COD's Womens Mini-Retreat.
October 17th: She's Crafty - (check the info on the right)
October 23rd: Mom's Night Out
Pinkberry in Azusa (in cheap movie theater stip mall)
October 25th: COD Family Fall Fest
This is an awesome day of fun for the whole family. Make your way through the haymaze, go on a hay ride, ride ponies, bounce your heart away, music, crafts, food and a pumpkin patch!
10am-4pm all over COD's hillside campus
It takes tons of volunteers to make this day fantastic! Wanna help?? Contact Scott Dodson, Childrens Pastor at scott@churchoftheopendoor.com or let Karen or Lindsay know.
October 30th: GUM BUNCO
Come enjoy breakfast with the ladies and get your dice hands ready!
Extras:
October 1st - Car Seat Saftey Check at Sams Club Glendora from 10am-2pm
October 28th, 29th, 30th - Come to storytime dressed in their Halloween costumes. After storytime, children will have fun "Trick or Treating" in the library. 10:30am - 11:30am.
October 31st - Glendora Halloween Walk, Trick or Treat in Downtown Glendora, 10am - 2pm
October 31st - Glendora Family Carnival from 5-8 at Finkbiner Park
October 2nd: Guest Speaker Judy Underwood
October 9th: Pint-sized Adventure
Meet us at the LA Zoo at 10:30, just inside the gate. We'll visit the animals and picnic at the playground.
October 16th: Carol Lougmagne shares what she learned from COD's Womens Mini-Retreat.
October 17th: She's Crafty - (check the info on the right)
October 23rd: Mom's Night Out
Pinkberry in Azusa (in cheap movie theater stip mall)
October 25th: COD Family Fall Fest
This is an awesome day of fun for the whole family. Make your way through the haymaze, go on a hay ride, ride ponies, bounce your heart away, music, crafts, food and a pumpkin patch!
10am-4pm all over COD's hillside campus
It takes tons of volunteers to make this day fantastic! Wanna help?? Contact Scott Dodson, Childrens Pastor at scott@churchoftheopendoor.com or let Karen or Lindsay know.
October 30th: GUM BUNCO
Come enjoy breakfast with the ladies and get your dice hands ready!
Extras:
October 1st - Car Seat Saftey Check at Sams Club Glendora from 10am-2pm
October 28th, 29th, 30th - Come to storytime dressed in their Halloween costumes. After storytime, children will have fun "Trick or Treating" in the library. 10:30am - 11:30am.
October 31st - Glendora Halloween Walk, Trick or Treat in Downtown Glendora, 10am - 2pm
October 31st - Glendora Family Carnival from 5-8 at Finkbiner Park
9/18/2008
Meet Your Titus 2 Moms
So you've all met the Titus 2 Mentor Moms right? Well, here's a little bit about them so you can get to know them more. Just in case today wasn't enough for you, or maybe you missed today (we missed you too!) I asked Barb, Carol and Tina 3 questions, so without further ado, here's their answers.
What's your favorite book?
Barb: The Bible, and I've really enjoyed reading it this last year and seeing the way God continually forgives those who repent, and how His plan for redemption is clearly woven throughout the Old Testament. Those written by humans: Anything by Francine Rivers, like Redeeming Love. I really enjoy her style and the way she hits my heart. Secular author, a new one to me, Emily Griffin (at least I think that's her name). I occasionally read a book written by a non-Christian, and I found myself hysterical over Something Borrowed, and the sequel Something Blue. They were about real, worldly friends (totally carnal) but I liked them because there really are people like them out there, and it helps me see real life through the eyes of the unsaved (and makes me thankful that I'm not there!). And, I laughed throughout both books!
Carol: One of my favorite books is Witness by Whittaker Chambers. (Usually my favorite book is the one I'm reading at the moment, but this one is an all-time favorite.) Witness is the biography of Mr. Chambers that includes his dramatic escape from being a KGB agent in the communist party in America and the way God used this humble, private man in a very painfully public trial. He wrote the book so his children would know the truth. He suffered for truth. His story made a big impact on me as a college student and again when I reread it a few years ago.
Tina: Hard to pick THE "favorite" but this is one that I have loved: Life of the Beloved by Henry Nouwen. It is a beautiful affirmation of the truth that I am the beloved daughter of the God of the universe and that this knowledge is the source of my greatest joy and peace and purpose in life.
What scripture was most meaningful to you in the last year?
Barb: Most meaningful Scripture--this one takes pondering...this probably sounds kind of odd, but I was really impacted by Daniel 1:8, where it says "But Daniel PURPOSED IN HIS HEART that he would not defile himself...." I think that in order to remain pure and "undefiled" in the world we live in, we have to make some decisions ahead of time, and have a plan for when certain situations arise. If we're thrown into things without a plan, then we are far more likely to error and do something with lasting negative consequences. This is what I'm trying to teach Kristina regarding dating and other situations that she faces in high school.
Carol: A passage of Scripture that has meant a lot to me over the last year is Psalm 103. It is a psalm that says a lot about who God is, but near the end, it says this, "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." It reminds me of who I am compared to who He is. When I feel overwhelmed, I am comforted and reminded to wait on Him because He knows my frailty, my weakness. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." He created me for a purpose and he'll walk beside me in the process.
Tina: I have found myself turning again and again to this passage which brings me such comfort as I have faced circumstances that have challenged me to rely fully on His sovereignty and power in my life and in the lives of those I love: Isaiah 42:1-4 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned . . . For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you . . . ."
When you had small children, what was your favorite 'just for me' activity?
Barb: What I did for me when my kids were young--take a bath every night with my favorite book, or almost any book. Amazing, cheap therapy!
Carol: My favorite "just-for-me" activity when my children were small was to escape my house (leaving my husband to baby-sit, of course) to go to a music rehearsal at church. My friends were there. We worked on something beautiful in our time together and I loved it. And it is still my VERY favorite "just-for-me" activity.
Tina: Good question! I found myself doing a lot of sewing - matching outfits for my girls (sometimes even for my son, which his wife thinks are really precious now!) That was really fun for me I also enjoyed reading historical fiction - The Zion Chronicles series and The Zion Covenant series by the Thoenes.
Thank ladies for sharing with us!
What's your favorite book?
Barb: The Bible, and I've really enjoyed reading it this last year and seeing the way God continually forgives those who repent, and how His plan for redemption is clearly woven throughout the Old Testament. Those written by humans: Anything by Francine Rivers, like Redeeming Love. I really enjoy her style and the way she hits my heart. Secular author, a new one to me, Emily Griffin (at least I think that's her name). I occasionally read a book written by a non-Christian, and I found myself hysterical over Something Borrowed, and the sequel Something Blue. They were about real, worldly friends (totally carnal) but I liked them because there really are people like them out there, and it helps me see real life through the eyes of the unsaved (and makes me thankful that I'm not there!). And, I laughed throughout both books!
Carol: One of my favorite books is Witness by Whittaker Chambers. (Usually my favorite book is the one I'm reading at the moment, but this one is an all-time favorite.) Witness is the biography of Mr. Chambers that includes his dramatic escape from being a KGB agent in the communist party in America and the way God used this humble, private man in a very painfully public trial. He wrote the book so his children would know the truth. He suffered for truth. His story made a big impact on me as a college student and again when I reread it a few years ago.
Tina: Hard to pick THE "favorite" but this is one that I have loved: Life of the Beloved by Henry Nouwen. It is a beautiful affirmation of the truth that I am the beloved daughter of the God of the universe and that this knowledge is the source of my greatest joy and peace and purpose in life.
What scripture was most meaningful to you in the last year?
Barb: Most meaningful Scripture--this one takes pondering...this probably sounds kind of odd, but I was really impacted by Daniel 1:8, where it says "But Daniel PURPOSED IN HIS HEART that he would not defile himself...." I think that in order to remain pure and "undefiled" in the world we live in, we have to make some decisions ahead of time, and have a plan for when certain situations arise. If we're thrown into things without a plan, then we are far more likely to error and do something with lasting negative consequences. This is what I'm trying to teach Kristina regarding dating and other situations that she faces in high school.
Carol: A passage of Scripture that has meant a lot to me over the last year is Psalm 103. It is a psalm that says a lot about who God is, but near the end, it says this, "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." It reminds me of who I am compared to who He is. When I feel overwhelmed, I am comforted and reminded to wait on Him because He knows my frailty, my weakness. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." He created me for a purpose and he'll walk beside me in the process.
Tina: I have found myself turning again and again to this passage which brings me such comfort as I have faced circumstances that have challenged me to rely fully on His sovereignty and power in my life and in the lives of those I love: Isaiah 42:1-4 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned . . . For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you . . . ."
When you had small children, what was your favorite 'just for me' activity?
Barb: What I did for me when my kids were young--take a bath every night with my favorite book, or almost any book. Amazing, cheap therapy!
Carol: My favorite "just-for-me" activity when my children were small was to escape my house (leaving my husband to baby-sit, of course) to go to a music rehearsal at church. My friends were there. We worked on something beautiful in our time together and I loved it. And it is still my VERY favorite "just-for-me" activity.
Tina: Good question! I found myself doing a lot of sewing - matching outfits for my girls (sometimes even for my son, which his wife thinks are really precious now!) That was really fun for me I also enjoyed reading historical fiction - The Zion Chronicles series and The Zion Covenant series by the Thoenes.
Thank ladies for sharing with us!
September Newsletter
Can you guess ?
Which mom was once this little monkey's friend?
(Answer at bottom of post.)
God's Words: "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise: you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my lips you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." PS 139:1-5
Lovely Things:
Trader Joe's shopping list
1. Wheat or Plain pizza dough (you can also buy their pizza sauce). Fun to make with the kids!
2. Dark Chocolate covered Edamame
3. Pasta Medley (a vegetarian entree), but good for meat-eaters too!
4. Freeze Dried strawberries-yummm!
Great Finds from over the Summer:
1. Accordion style organizer from WalMart ($4.85)
2. Iced Coffee's @ McDonalds
3. Pomegranate body spray by Bath $ Body Works
FUN Website:
http://www.cozi.com/
This fabulous website features a free family organizer. It is a place where you can keep track of your grocery list, upload photos of your family, create reminders , store recipes & keep a day-to-day list of activities for every family member, and you can even journal (for those of us who are scrapbook or blog challenged). You can even have your lists & reminders sent to your phone! And it is color coded to! Get cozi!
iTUNEs (Lindsay)
my latest downloads:
1) Before the Throne by Selah
2) One Pure and Holy Passion by Passion
my most embarrassing download:
1) I Got a Man by Positive K
perfect house-cleaning music:
1) Hips Don't Lie by Shakira (Wyclef Jean)
2) Hey Ya! by Outkast
3) He Reigns /Awesome God by Kirk Franklin & Papa San
Pictured at top...Karen (yep that's me!)
9/16/2008
Safety Seat Checkup
The train accident last Friday got me thinking about my kids carseats. They're growing like weeds and its time to check to make sure they still fit in them correctly...and of course once the ball starts rolling in my head. Anyway, I came across this press release today, and so I'm putting it on her for you!
It only takes a little bit of time and it could save a life. Go check your kids today. Make sure they're seats are installed correctly and they fit properly. If you need help, make an appointment or drop by this saftey check. I made an appointment myself so maybe I'll see you there!!
------
Safety Seat Checkup Coming to Glendora
More than ninety percent of the children who attended safety seat checkups in the Los Angeles area this year were buckled up incorrectly.
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. is offering parents the opportunity to have their children’s safety seats inspected at a safety seat checkup at Glendora Market Place (in front of Sam’s Club), 1301 S. Lone Hill Avenue, Glendora, on October 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Parents and caregivers may call the Safe Ride Helpline, (310) 222-6860, week day afternoons, to make an advance checkup appointment.
Teams of nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and other trained volunteers will inspect each safety seat to make sure it fits the child properly, is correctly secured, and is in the safest possible location in the vehicle. Older children will be invited to try the 5-Step Test to find out if they fit properly in the vehicle safety belts or require use of a booster.
Reprinted in part from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. press release.
View the full release at http://www.carseat.org/
It only takes a little bit of time and it could save a life. Go check your kids today. Make sure they're seats are installed correctly and they fit properly. If you need help, make an appointment or drop by this saftey check. I made an appointment myself so maybe I'll see you there!!
------
Safety Seat Checkup Coming to Glendora
More than ninety percent of the children who attended safety seat checkups in the Los Angeles area this year were buckled up incorrectly.
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. is offering parents the opportunity to have their children’s safety seats inspected at a safety seat checkup at Glendora Market Place (in front of Sam’s Club), 1301 S. Lone Hill Avenue, Glendora, on October 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Parents and caregivers may call the Safe Ride Helpline, (310) 222-6860, week day afternoons, to make an advance checkup appointment.
Teams of nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and other trained volunteers will inspect each safety seat to make sure it fits the child properly, is correctly secured, and is in the safest possible location in the vehicle. Older children will be invited to try the 5-Step Test to find out if they fit properly in the vehicle safety belts or require use of a booster.
Reprinted in part from SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. press release.
View the full release at http://www.carseat.org/
9/12/2008
THAT mom or Supermom?
Today, my dear dear husband woke me up late. Now granted I am a grown up myself and could choose to not rely on him as my morning alarm, but usually this system works great. Until this morning. This morning I was awoken to, "Honey, I'm so sorry, it's already 8 [Emma has preschool at 8:30], I was just going to check email for a minute..."
Okay, no worries, I am supermom. So we got the kids up got all 3 of us dressed, because not only does Emma have preschool, but women's biblestudy starts at 9am. I get a nutritionaly balanced breakfast for the kids [read toaster waffles - plain] and work on Emma's lunch. This morning she requests peanut butter, and because I'm super mom and even though I know we'll be late, I make peanut butter instead of throwing in crackers and a cheese stick.
I grab the diaper bag [and the things that go in it] and the kiddos and we make it to preschool only 10 minutes late. Whew!
We're doing fine, because I'm still 5 minutes early for biblestudy. I take charge of some tiny nursery things, and I'm feeling pretty accomplished by the time I sit for biblestudy brunch.
But during the video, I realize - I was supposed to bring snack for preschool! Whoops, and snack happened 45 minutes ago. Oh well, I say, I'll bring it on Monday, things happen.
Biblestudy ends, and I pick up Audrey from the nursery, where I realize, we can't run errands after picking Emma up from preschool, because Audrey hasn't had a morning nap [why won't this child sleep in the nursery?] and can barely stay awake on the 8 minute drive to the preschool. Oh well, we'll work those errands in this afternoon sometime. After all, I'm still supermom, right?
So in I go to apologize for snack and we laugh a little and chat when the aid says, "Oh, Emma had peanut butter for lunch today." And I'm thinking, oh goodness, did she not eat it? did she smear it on the wall? "We're a peanut-free school."
Oh yes. That's right. I am THAT mom. I forgot snack and sent the child a possibly deadly to others lunch. Sigh.
On the way home, I'm contemplating my supermom powers, they seem to be a bit on the fritz. I get the kids settled and check my email only to find I had scheduled a playdate at my home for 8:30am THIS morning.
Some days you just can't win. At least I can't anyway. And though I wish I actually DID have supermom powers, clearly I haven't been granted mine yet.
How often though, as moms, do things not go as planned? Quite a bit in this house. And yet, I try and try to do it all on my own. What an eye opening example of how God asks us daily to rely on him instead of our own strength, ingenuity and supermom powers.
So today, I'm reminded I am THAT mom. The one that needs to rely on God to get me through the day. Cause clearly, I can't do it on my own. But how awesome is He who gives me the strength to do all things. Who's love is greater than all my faults. The lyrics from Stuart Townend's song; (Listen to it now)
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
...
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection.
Lord, Let me boast only in you, not gifts, not power, not wisedom - just You! Thank you for ordering my days, even as I mess them up. Give me extra grace today. Amen.
Okay, no worries, I am supermom. So we got the kids up got all 3 of us dressed, because not only does Emma have preschool, but women's biblestudy starts at 9am. I get a nutritionaly balanced breakfast for the kids [read toaster waffles - plain] and work on Emma's lunch. This morning she requests peanut butter, and because I'm super mom and even though I know we'll be late, I make peanut butter instead of throwing in crackers and a cheese stick.
I grab the diaper bag [and the things that go in it] and the kiddos and we make it to preschool only 10 minutes late. Whew!
We're doing fine, because I'm still 5 minutes early for biblestudy. I take charge of some tiny nursery things, and I'm feeling pretty accomplished by the time I sit for biblestudy brunch.
But during the video, I realize - I was supposed to bring snack for preschool! Whoops, and snack happened 45 minutes ago. Oh well, I say, I'll bring it on Monday, things happen.
Biblestudy ends, and I pick up Audrey from the nursery, where I realize, we can't run errands after picking Emma up from preschool, because Audrey hasn't had a morning nap [why won't this child sleep in the nursery?] and can barely stay awake on the 8 minute drive to the preschool. Oh well, we'll work those errands in this afternoon sometime. After all, I'm still supermom, right?
So in I go to apologize for snack and we laugh a little and chat when the aid says, "Oh, Emma had peanut butter for lunch today." And I'm thinking, oh goodness, did she not eat it? did she smear it on the wall? "We're a peanut-free school."
Oh yes. That's right. I am THAT mom. I forgot snack and sent the child a possibly deadly to others lunch. Sigh.
On the way home, I'm contemplating my supermom powers, they seem to be a bit on the fritz. I get the kids settled and check my email only to find I had scheduled a playdate at my home for 8:30am THIS morning.
Some days you just can't win. At least I can't anyway. And though I wish I actually DID have supermom powers, clearly I haven't been granted mine yet.
How often though, as moms, do things not go as planned? Quite a bit in this house. And yet, I try and try to do it all on my own. What an eye opening example of how God asks us daily to rely on him instead of our own strength, ingenuity and supermom powers.
So today, I'm reminded I am THAT mom. The one that needs to rely on God to get me through the day. Cause clearly, I can't do it on my own. But how awesome is He who gives me the strength to do all things. Who's love is greater than all my faults. The lyrics from Stuart Townend's song; (Listen to it now)
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
...
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection.
Lord, Let me boast only in you, not gifts, not power, not wisedom - just You! Thank you for ordering my days, even as I mess them up. Give me extra grace today. Amen.
9/09/2008
Meet the Moderators:
Karen
But that's not the GUM I'm actually describing here. I love GUM, which actually stands for Growing Up Mom and if you’re reading this I suspect you already knew.
What you might not know is how we or more specifically I got here. When my first was only months old, I was approached by Lindsay and some women at church and invited to join the moms group they attended at another church. Two years later, our COD church moms were slowly taking over their group - and we tossed around the idea that someone should start a similar group at COD.
So Lindsay did. With much prayer and counsel from staff and pastors and older moms, last year GUM was launched. We meet twice a month to fellowship, do biblestudy, and to pray with other moms in the throws of childrearing and also some Titus 2 moms whom have been there before. While we meet, our kids are in their own classes, with stories and crafts and playtime. As we're growing and engaging and fellowshipping, so are they. And throughout the month we get together to do crafts, adventures, mom's night out and park days. As we’re helping our children grow, we’re Growing Up Mom too.
GUM is better than I could ever have imagined, it meets so many of my needs as a mom with a preschooler and a toddler and it blesses my life immensely.
So I love GUM. And I can't wait to see how the Lord blesses and teaches and stretches me (and all of us) this year.
Lindsay
My journey into motherhood began almost exactly 6 years ago with the birth of my first daughter. I think the pose on the left came more naturally to me and more comfortably than motherhood did. It simply took some time for me to feel my way into motherhood, to discover who God desired for me to be as a mom (wife & friend). I trust God knew what He was doing when He made me a mom, and my growth and the growth of my family will be through His grace.
Growing Up Mom exists because of God's magnificent and timely will. I joined a fabulous mom's group soon after becoming a mom because I was feeling lonely & isolated and I needed the fellowship of other moms (not to mention the laughter from similar mommy "war" stories). After being a part of that group for four years, God moved in my heart to approach COD about starting a Mom's group. God has given me every idea and detail of this group and it truly belongs to Him.
I love this group. I love watching all the moms pull into the parking lot on Thursday mornings, kids in tow. I love the conversation over breakfast (not to mention the size of my breakfast plate). I love when I can, if I really try, hear all 4 of the Titus 2/mentor moms leading their table's in discussion. Oh! to know God is loving us so gracefully and tenderly through our Titus 2 moms-what joy and privilege that is for me! I love how God has given us women the gift of gab and how that gab leads us into great growth with one another and at times such beautiful and incredible vulnerability.
Moms are the best! I am blessed to have Karen on board-she is an incredible team player, has a great sense of humor, and is filled to the brim with talents God loves to use. On that note, I feel like striking the pose shown above in my picture!
Lord, we are yours...even in those moments when you are faced with a diaper blowout of gargantuan proportions and you are wipe-less without a spare onsie....remember you are His and He'll supply grace for the moment (maybe not a wipe), but dear grace.
But that's not the GUM I'm actually describing here. I love GUM, which actually stands for Growing Up Mom and if you’re reading this I suspect you already knew.
What you might not know is how we or more specifically I got here. When my first was only months old, I was approached by Lindsay and some women at church and invited to join the moms group they attended at another church. Two years later, our COD church moms were slowly taking over their group - and we tossed around the idea that someone should start a similar group at COD.
So Lindsay did. With much prayer and counsel from staff and pastors and older moms, last year GUM was launched. We meet twice a month to fellowship, do biblestudy, and to pray with other moms in the throws of childrearing and also some Titus 2 moms whom have been there before. While we meet, our kids are in their own classes, with stories and crafts and playtime. As we're growing and engaging and fellowshipping, so are they. And throughout the month we get together to do crafts, adventures, mom's night out and park days. As we’re helping our children grow, we’re Growing Up Mom too.
GUM is better than I could ever have imagined, it meets so many of my needs as a mom with a preschooler and a toddler and it blesses my life immensely.
So I love GUM. And I can't wait to see how the Lord blesses and teaches and stretches me (and all of us) this year.
Lindsay
My journey into motherhood began almost exactly 6 years ago with the birth of my first daughter. I think the pose on the left came more naturally to me and more comfortably than motherhood did. It simply took some time for me to feel my way into motherhood, to discover who God desired for me to be as a mom (wife & friend). I trust God knew what He was doing when He made me a mom, and my growth and the growth of my family will be through His grace.Growing Up Mom exists because of God's magnificent and timely will. I joined a fabulous mom's group soon after becoming a mom because I was feeling lonely & isolated and I needed the fellowship of other moms (not to mention the laughter from similar mommy "war" stories). After being a part of that group for four years, God moved in my heart to approach COD about starting a Mom's group. God has given me every idea and detail of this group and it truly belongs to Him.
I love this group. I love watching all the moms pull into the parking lot on Thursday mornings, kids in tow. I love the conversation over breakfast (not to mention the size of my breakfast plate). I love when I can, if I really try, hear all 4 of the Titus 2/mentor moms leading their table's in discussion. Oh! to know God is loving us so gracefully and tenderly through our Titus 2 moms-what joy and privilege that is for me! I love how God has given us women the gift of gab and how that gab leads us into great growth with one another and at times such beautiful and incredible vulnerability.
Moms are the best! I am blessed to have Karen on board-she is an incredible team player, has a great sense of humor, and is filled to the brim with talents God loves to use. On that note, I feel like striking the pose shown above in my picture!
Lord, we are yours...even in those moments when you are faced with a diaper blowout of gargantuan proportions and you are wipe-less without a spare onsie....remember you are His and He'll supply grace for the moment (maybe not a wipe), but dear grace.
7/12/2008
Take your marks....GO!
I thought the title would be perfect for the first post of GUM's new blog. I spent this morning cheering for my oldest daughter (emma, 5) at her second swim meet. She even made a handmade, "GO EMMA," sign for us hold up while we cheered for her-she was fabulous. So, both my daughter and I have been a little nervous, but we are diving in with both feet...hers into the pool and mine into a new facet of this ministry. I feel like a little fish in a big ocean-computers and blogging are not exactly my thing and so I hope to get some big fish to help me out soon.
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