A Lifetime of Love

I have had such a great morning despite the bickering between the boys. We went over to a friend’s house from church so I could get some godly parenting advice and tips. This woman also has 2 boys who are 2 years apart, and since they are older than mine, she knows exactly what I’m dealing with because she has experienced it with her own children. Additionally, she just recently resigned as the nursery coordinator for our church, so she knows my children extremely well and was able to provide me with some sound advice based on their personalities. I wrote before that I am doing a personal Bible study, and I have been convicted of my sins as a parent since the first page. She did the same study and encouraged me to keep going. She was such a huge blessing to me today, and I am so thankful to have such godly influences in my life. As I was leaving her house, I told her how much I appreciated her time. I honestly have already begun to put into practice some of what I learned today, and I ...

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." Today was a bad day for me as a mother. I can’t even say I “lost” my patience because that would imply I had patience to begin with- I didn ’t. I was immediately convicted as soon as my mouth shut. I apologized for all the times I angrily lost my self-control, but I know words hurt the heart more than anything. While waiting for TJ to get home, the kids and I were playing in the backyard as usual. We heard sirens, and I looked at my watch and noticed it was 5:30. Bad thoughts and panic set in, and I frantically began calling TJ on his cell phone. No answer, of course! I waited 5 more minutes before calling again. During that time, I prayed that God would forgive me for my bad attitude today, especially toward my children. I sometimes need moments like this to help me gain my perspective back. It’s funny- I was thinking if something horrible did happen to TJ on the way home, I wa...

My life has been hectic as usual. I sometimes can’t seem to tell whether I’m coming or going. I have been going non-stop since last week, and today is the first moment I have found to sit down and write. Saturday evening was spent at my sister-in-law’s house. TJ volunteered to help out with a major youth event at our church, which left the kids in my care. It’s an hour drive each way to her house, and by the time I arrived, I was already stressed out due to the arguing in the van. T.G. was ready to nurse shortly after our arrival, and just as I got situated, my 5 -year-old niece informed me Ta was outside. My sis-in-law lives on a dangerous road, and her house isn ’t that far from it. There’s not necessarily a lot of traffic, but cars speed by going 45 miles an hour. Needless to say, panic set in and I ran to get him. Thankfully the Lord’s hand of protection was upon him, and he was sitting on the porch. I couldn ’t discipline him because he didn ’t really understand what he did wrong...

I am a little misty-eyed as I write today. Carole’s blog entry from last night really touched me. I have been thinking about it since I read it because I have been replaying in my mind various trials and hardships that I have gone through over the past few years. I consider myself a strong woman, and having since experienced certain life situations, I feel relatively grounded in my faith and know I have gotten closer in my walk with the Lord. But, as I read and re-read Carole’s words, I found myself second-guessing myself. Am I as strong as I think I am? If I were in her situation, would I respond in the same manner and with the same strength? I don’t know, and I selfishly pray I don’t ever have to find out. But, by thinking about this, the Lord allowed me to reflect upon the ways He has cared for me over the years. I know, I know. I’ve written before about the Lord’s provision and healing for me, but I cannot find the words to express my true feelings of gratitude for all that God has...

I attended my church’s annual Mother/Daughter Banquet this past Saturday night with my daughter for the first time. Every year I attend, but this was a milestone in my life as a mom. I was very happy to have her with me. T.G. was awake from the moment I arrived, but content just watching her surroundings and everyone in it. After I ate, I excused myself from the table to go nurse her in the bathroom. She quickly fell asleep and slept the remainder of the evening, allowing me an opportunity to focus my attention on the speaker. This year’s theme was very different than years’ past. It was an international theme, and each table was beautifully decorated to represent either a different country or state within the U.S. We sat at the Florida table, and there were sand castles and sea shells as our centerpiece. I chose that particular table because one of my guests just recently moved to Rock Hill from Florida, and I thought her 3 year old daughter would enjoy a brief reminder of the...

I’m back after finishing all that needed to be done. Although the semester has ended, I still have obligations and must prioritize my day. Unfortunately, last week this took last place on my list. I enjoy writing and sharing here, but I have to make sure that this does not interfere with my devotional time or conflict with my duties as a wife, mom, etc. Th woke me this morning to the smells of breakfast cooking downstairs. . . cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs. He was so excited for me to walk down the stairs, and once I reached the bottom step, I quickly knew why. TJ had taken a piece of the boys' artwork and had it framed. Th’s was a butterfly and Ta’s was his hand prints. I also received a book I have been wanting written by a woman who came and spoke at our church back in 2004. She spoke on how to study the Bible, and last year, turned her “notes” into a book, and I can’t wait to read it. It is titled “What Do I Know about My God?” by Mardi Collier. I just started a dif...

I spent my morning at the doctor’s office with Ta and T.G. I missed Ta’s 2 year visit originally scheduled in March (due to another computer problem!) so it was a routine appointment. Except that anyone with kids knows there is no such thing as “routine”. Turns out he has a sinus infection and while we were there, the doctor went ahead and looked at the baby to save me from having to come back. T.G. has a double ear infection. I went in thinking the visit was free (insurance covers well visits 100%) and ended up spending $81 due to the various medications both kids were prescribed! Plus, I still feel yucky. I actually feel a little better; I just don’t have much of a voice. My kids are happy, and probably TJ too, but I hate it because I have to repeat myself more than I normally do! TJ felt sorry for me since I wasn ’t feeling well and didn ’t go to Charlotte after work. He mowed the front lawn and I hung outside with the kids and watched. With him home to help, we were able to have ...