Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A slave to Christ

Lately I have felt very taken advantage of by my kids. They aren't picking up after themselves, or doing little tasks that I ask them to. I feel like their slave. I have been struggling to keep house work done. I seem to get no help from the ones making the messes. They think this is what I live for. I live to pick up after them. So, as I was complaining and wallowing in self-pity this morning my husband told me to go to Bible study. He told me I needed to go. He spoke truth. I knew I needed to go. The Holy Spirit was convicting me of that. I was listening to Satan whisper to me about how bad I have it, how no one appreciates me, how worthless I am. Lies, all lies. I might feel like I am treated as a slave sometimes by my kids, but I am called to be a slave...a slave to Christ. As my Bible study reminded me, He is my Adonia, my Lord and Master. "God has a right to expect obedience" from me. He is my Master. I am to do His will, not my own. Matthew 10:34-40 says I am to love him above all other. Even myself. But there are benefits to being a bond servant to Christ. That puts me under his protection. "With submission comes all we need for the task He puts before us. Whatever it is, as Adonai He supplies what His servants need in order to perform their Master's will." He will give us understanding (Psalm 119:125). He will be with us (Judges 6:14-16). He remembers us (Psalm 89:50-51). He doesn't leave us empty handed. He equips us with what we need to do His will.

For me right now that means that He is with me in my parenting. He has given me everything I need to do this task of raising four kids. He will never leave me. He will give me the wisdom I need.

We have heard this verse over and over again. But read it slowly this time. Think about what it is really saying: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.

I have the a spirit of power, I can conquer the devil and the lies he tells me. I have a spirit of love, I can love my children even when they are not obedient. I have a spirit of self-discipline, I can keep my temper in check and I can get and keep my housework done. Fill in the blanks for yourself. What does your spirit of power equip you to do? Who does your spirit of love equip you love? What does your spirit of self-discipline equip you to accomplish?

I end with Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

*quotes were from Kay Arthur's Lord I want to Know You.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

How to properly punish your kids...

When they don't do what they are supposed to do, don't do what your supposed to do and see how they like it. For example, today my kids did not do anything they were told to do after school. So, I told them I was not making dinner. It's understood that I am supposed to do that, right? Just like they understand what they are to do. They also weren't allowed to even walk into the kitchen until they did everything they were supposed to. This even motivated my four-year-old to clean up his own room. Food can be very motivating. Bryce brought Rosa's home for dinner for him and myself. Please understand this is a family favorite. Seriously...there were almost tears from each of them when they realized they didn't get anything from Rosa's. They made themselves a sandwich and got some fruit or something to go along with it. I think that my point got across. I guess we will see tomorrow when they come home from school!

Then one more thing happened. And please don't hate me for thinking this was funny. I really did laugh out loud at my son. It was five minutes till bedtime, and our son lied to us. So, I told him to go on up to bed. A few minutes later he came out of his room...with a bloody nose. He was revolting against going to bed and was being crazy in his room and kneed himself in the nose. Yes, he gave himself a bloody nose. Sorry, natural consequence for being disobedient. Next time maybe he will just go lay in bed!

Another day in the life of a mom of four.

Friday, February 19, 2010

3pm Chaos

I know there are others out there that feel like I do. The chaos that is 3pm. The time school gets out. Monday through Thursday it is pretty much the same. By 3:10 RaeAnne and Joel are home. Usually Andrew is already up from his nap, and the baby times it just right to get up when the kids get home. Snack time and homework take place. Dinner has to be made. Three things...snack, homework and dinner...why is it so chaotic? Does anyone else deal with this? Some days are laid back, some days are crazy.

I think that part of the chaos is inside of me. I put it on my kids. I am anxious to get everything done before Bryce gets home. I love him. I want him to be able to come home and relax. When the house is a mess, and dinner isn't done he feels like he needs to help. It's that fix-it man thing. He has worked all day. Had others demanding his time, words, energy, and mind. Home needs to be a safe place where at the end of the day he exhales as he walks through the door. That's what I want.

In trying to achieve this clean house, clean kids, dinner waiting, homework done, put together wife I end up making my house the house of chaos. That's not what I want. So, how do you do it? I seriously want to know. How do you deal with the whirlwind from when your kids get home from school till the time your hubbs gets home from work? I am admitting that I am not a domestic goddess. I welcome your suggestions.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Our year so far...

has been interesting to say the least.

January 17th included a trip to the ER for Andrew when he fell and hit his head on the couch...yes, the couch. No stitches. I don't think they believe in those things anymore. Just glue and tape.

February 1st was Joel's turn to go to the ER due to cutting his hand with scissors at school. Once again, just glue and tape.

February 3rd was RaeAnne's turn for something to happen. She fractured her wrist and still sports a green cast. Hopefully it will be coming off in about another week.

In January Gabriel and I both had bronchitis. Now it's February and we both have the "upper respiratory crud". That is the technical term the doctor used. Bryce currently is dealing with our crud plus double pink eye.

I am sure that in no time we will all be back up and running at full speed.