Here we are ready to start a new year, rethinking goals, lesson plans, menu plans and such.
I love new beginnings, fresh starts even while I struggle with the same old habits that kept me from accomplishing previous goals (lack of self discipline).
But that is the great thing about HOPE. God’s mercies are new every morning and as I ask Him to burn away the hay and stubble form my life I can look back on old goals/plans and see that they were foolish or self-centered…. full of vain-glory.
Friday Emma and I were suppose to meet our friend Kelly at the hospital for the birth of her 10th child. I have been in the room to video her last two babies and this time I was suppose to just take pictures. We planned for Emma to watch the birth seeing as she will be delivering my first grandchild next year!
Unfortunately for us, but not for Kelly, baby Kaid came very quickly and we did not get there in time to see the birth, but we did get there in time to enjoy his first minutes in this world!
The monster of SELF rages in all of us. The only way to find freedom from this self-destroying creature is to execute it through a heart of service.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
(This is actually a picture of Peach playing Grumpy Girl one day.)
As we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this month it is a good time to really focus on the character trait of gratitude. Little irks me more than an ungrateful person! It seems that for most people the more they are given the more ungrateful they become and act as if they ‘deserve’ more. Children that are raised in a home that revolves around them and their wants usually grow up believing that the WORLD revolves around them, I’m sure several people are coming to mind right now.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing…” Philippians 2:14
Whining children grow up to be adults that complain about everyone and everything!
For some reason (selfishness…pride…covetousness) they think they deserve more.
Make your home a whine free zone…starting with Mom.
Moms make a mental note how many times YOU complain (whine) during the day; once you get a grip on your complaining (which goes hand in hand with manipulation), then help your children learn to be grateful and not complain! Your home, their future homes and world will be a nicer place without a bunch of whiners!
Great clip from one of my favorite preachers, John Piper.
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
Proverbs 17:1
As I think on this verse, I am reminded of days when we seem to be on the go non-stop. Household affairs are not taken care of as they should be, family members tend to be more tired and less patient… which gets everyone else less patient.
I think of families that trade out a more simple lifestyle with less things, less extravagant (convenience) food and less activities for a hectic, fast paced life, which often comes with more stress and more strife.
Humility is recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in your life. ~Character Journal
Ask yourself or your children of what you are most proud of in your life. Whether it be possessions or achievements, you could not have obtained them without the aid of someone else. If it is a degree, who taught you to read so that you could apply yourself study? If it is a possession, who allowed you the ability to pay for it, or who gave it to you?
