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Tips On Memorizing Scripture With Children!

May 17, 2013 by  · 2 Comments

Tips On Memorizing Scripture With Your Children!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
            By keeping it according to Your word.

With all my heart I have sought You;
            Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart,
            That I may not sin against You.” ~Psalm 119:9-11

I’ve always loved the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who, when she visited her cousin Elisabeth who was also miraculously with child, couldn’t stem the tide of scripture and praise that came bubbling up from her young soul. What a picture of being full to overflowing with the Lord (in more ways than one!) and what an example to all of us of what we surely need to be filling our own hearts with.

You’ve probably listened in awe yourself to a child reciting scripture at some point–whether at some church awards ceremony, a homeschool event, or maybe at the end of your local VBS week. It’s pretty awe-inspiring to hear little lips quoting verses, passages, even chapters! And recently Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore and many others have spearheaded movements among many adults to follow the little one’s example–a wonderful reminder, to be sure. Why is it, I wonder, that we encourage our children to do so many things we ourselves don’t do? Ahhh, but that’s another post. ;-)  

When my older children were younger children (it seems many moons ago!) memorizing scripture was part of our homeschool curriculum planning guide, and so it was quite easy to remember to actually do it (ahem). Life has gotten topsy-turvy since then, and I’m sorry to say that memorizing scripture has been moved to a back burner. I thought perhaps some of you sweet mamas out there might also need some encouragement and ideas to help you as you endeavor to add scripture memory to your own family habits, so here are a few tips and thoughts from our house to help along the way! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cultivating A Life, Family LIfe, Intentional Living, Mealtimes

What Elderly Tennis Players Can Teach Us About Motherhood

May 16, 2013 by  · 7 Comments

Anyone for tennis?

I play tennis.

Post-kids, I play a couple times a year. But there was a season in life when I played ALL. THE. TIME

I was possibly a bit obsessive.

My family stayed in a condo every year for the 4th of July. They’d head to the water. I’d hit the courts. By myself.

There wasn’t a backboard to hit against, so I’d pick up a ball and hit a cross court forehand. I’d pick up another ball and hit a forehand down the line. On and on. Different shots. One at a time.

Then I’d go and pick them all up. For three or four hours, I’d do this. All weekend long.

Like I said, obsessive. [Read more...]

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Don’t Listen to the Grey Questioner

May 15, 2013 by  · 9 Comments

Grey questioner

“Stop Doubting and Believe” John 20:27

Recently I have been reading  a delightful old book to my son, Jack,  called “Sir Knight of the Splendid Way.” It is one of our favorites that I have found myself wanting to re-read to him so he would remember it. I always come away from reading it inspired to know God better and to trust Him more. It’s an allegory that describes the Christian walk. Our hero is Sir Constant, a knight of the Kings Service who is on a journey to The City of the Great King, which is Heaven. He encounters many dangers and toils along his journey.

In this particular chapter, our knight is weary from his recent battles. He is tired and worn out. It is then that a visitor comes to him, The Grey Questioner. Sir Constant did not realize that he was in any imminent danger, but little did he know that here was a deadly foe, an enemy that wanted to destroy him.

The Grey Questioner began to ask him questions that caused him to doubt whether or not he will ever reach the City of the Great King, he made him wonder if he was really able to complete his quest. He  raised questions that made the knight doubt what he knew to be true about The Great King, which is Jesus. [Read more...]

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When a Band Aid Is Not Enough

May 14, 2013 by  · 3 Comments

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We had been looking forward to Mary’s games all week. Our family had special plans to see Mary play then go out for a nice dinner together which for a big family is a big deal…at least financially. My oldest daughter was bringing her boyfriend. My mom and step dad were coming. I had two of the younger children with me. We even brought the puppy, which we regretted by the second inning of the first game:)

As a single working mom it has been hard to make a lot of Mary’s games as they are typically during the busiest part of my work day. So this was a treat all the way around.

Mary didn’t play the first game, which was unusual, but we enjoyed the game anyway expecting her to start game two. Up to this point, Mary had only sat out on college game as a freshman due to an injury. When she didn’t play game two either, we were disappointed but supported the team nonetheless. As a mom, I was dreading that dinner as I knew how upset Mary would be. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cultivating A Life, Family LIfe, Uncategorized

Deepening Friendships (Upon Leaving My Friends)

May 12, 2013 by  · 9 Comments

deepfriend

It’s late at night and I’ve just returned from a visit to an Urgent Care center with my son who was showing some troubling symptoms. On my way there, one of my close friends got wind of what was happening and within moments of sitting down in the waiting room, my phone started beeping repeatedly with new text messages.

Several of my friends had been put on alert and were praying, sending kind words, and offering all kinds of help. That’s just how they are. God has graciously supplied irreplaceable girls in my life.

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The crushing part is that as I type, I’m sitting here surrounded by boxes. Our family is moving in a few days and, after four such moves in the last eight years, I know well the effect distance can have on friendships. They will still be some of my dearest friends, but the nature of our relationships will most likely change. Though I have no doubt new and wonderful friendships await where we’re going,  it’s an honor to carry memories of these ladies with me.

From childhood through the present, incredible girls have impacted and changed my life. Varying personalities and unique qualities contribute to the beautiful tapestry of relationships. The makings of deep friendship can be summed up in many ways, but here are a few things I’ve learned from those nearest to me. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cultivating A Life, Family LIfe, Uncategorized