Instructions for Parenting a Strong Willed Child

I have decided to set an hour aside every evening to spend in prayer and studying the Lords word. I bought a book about 2 years ago at a parenting conference called "Don't Make Me Count to 3." It was such a great read and had so much valuable parenting advice I decide to go back and read it again, especially considering all I do recently is count to 3 because the boys have been testing limits a lot lately. I don't know if it's the age that their at or if they just don't feel it's necessary to listen to mom, either way I am determined to not lose my insanity while trying to teach them that it's Biblical to follow God's rules and obey their parents. Everyone always says that they wish children came with an instruction manual. Well truth is, they do. It's called the Bible. God's word has plenty to say about parenting if we just take the time to read it. That is my goal this week. I plan on going through scriptures related to parenting and then prayerfully consider what it is that I'm doing wrong. Hopefully the boys will be more receptive to their mother if she's not screaming like a maniac and rather placing them in time out while sharing God's word with them. :)

"Something Wicked This Way Comes"

Yesterday was interesting. As John was working the boys and I were busy at home preparing for the storm to arrive. We had been hearing about a strange type of weather event that doesn't happen often that would possibly bring strong winds, hail, severe lightening and heavy downpours. Standing outside waiting for the storm to arrive was crazy. It was as if the people on television didn't have a clue, the sky was beautiful, not a cloud in sight and yet they were telling us to take shelter that several tornado's had been possibly sighted or were on the ground in an area not far from us. I watched outside while our neighbors continued to work on their house, putting up siding. Donna, a friend from across the road came outside and sat down to read while the boys played on their bikes as I waited, camera in hand. 

I do not know what possesses someone to stand in the line of fire during a possibly life threatening storm but I do understand the excitement and great measure some go to to acquire the perfect picture of such events. The sky was amazing. I could look to the South East sky and  see a tremendous eye wall forming as the television buzzed over and over with warnings of approaching increment weather telling us to seek shelter. At one point we got warning of phone outages nearby. We continued to watch as the skies darkened and a rather ominous eye formed over our houses. At one point the neighbor across the road who was working on his house stopped what he was doing and said okay, that's a sign. The temp dropped what seemed 10 degrees in a matter of seconds. It was then we all became more concerned about the approaching funnel overhead. The scanner was buzzing at the neighbors as the town fire station contemplated whether or not to sound the alarm. 

As horrifying as the oncoming storm was to watch and the feeling of impending danger increased, it was so difficult to put the camera down and go inside. I took several pictures before finally having enough of the opposing lightening strikes. I didn't want toasted like a marshmallow so reluctantly I walked in the house and sat it out. The funnel that formed above our house was rotating and we were all hoping it would pass over us, thankfully it did. Had it decided to touch down we wouldn't have been in the path of destruction, we would have been under it! I feel rather fortunate to have watched this amazing event unfold but found myself thanking God we didn't become part of the 6 oclock' news. God is good!

Catching a falling star

Last night while taking pooh out for his last potty trip I was standing on my front porch staring at the beautiful night  sky as I often do. It was such a peaceful night and the stars were brightly shining overhead. After a brief minute passed I saw a falling star and was shocked at the surreal nature of the moment. God's beauty is always there but we often fail to recognize or appreciate it. It was in that passing thought that I started to recall fond memories of my life and those I love who have gone on to be with the Lord. It's hard to fathom that one day we will all walk together in God's presence but that knowledge is measurably more important to me than anything else in comparison.

I have recently felt compelled to discuss eternal life and salvation with my almost 5 year old. I know that God has been leading me in this but for some reason every time I try, Ian starts to clam up and gets emotional. He is very sensitive and relates heaven to death (not exactly how I want him to perceive it). Though our life here on earth as we know it does end, I have tried to explain the best way I know how that if we know Jesus and have accepted him as our personal savior and are forgiven for our sins, we have eternal life in heaven with those who have also accepted Christ.

When John's grandma died I wasn't sure if I wanted to take Ian to the funeral. Aevan is a little younger and wasn't able to recognize that gram wasn't sleeping but Ian knew that she was with Jesus. John took him up to the casket and explained to him that he didn't have to be sad because Gram was healed and no longer needed her earthly body. He went on to say that even though she lost her legs because she was sick, in heaven she is walking with Jesus and that she is very happy. Ian still cried a little and was understandably upset by the experience but we wanted to be honest and for him to learn that it's okay for us to be sad when we lose a loved one but that we will one day be with them again if we trust the Lord.

Ever since this experience, the conversation of eternal life has been tough to have with Ian. Almost as soon as I bring it up he will hide his face and begin to cry. I really feel like I need to explain it better, in a way that he understands it's okay to discuss. I think that he is afraid that I will leave him one day and he is fearful of me not being here. That really makes me sad because I too feared that a lot since my parents were much older when they had me. My mom was around for a long time (until I was 34) but losing her even then was devastating. Ian has seen me cry and heard me say I miss my mom so perhaps this has influenced his perception of death in a poor way :(

I will be researching some books on this topic but if anyone has some suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate some input on the matter. It has never been my intention to upset my son, I just want him to realize how important it is for him to know the Lord and to have salvation. I love my boys so much pray that God blesses each of them in life but even more so, I pray that one day they will accept the Lord as their personal savior so that when the time comes we will all be together in God's perfect presence.

The River

Driving home tonight it was amazing seeing the river as we passed over the open grate bridge. I was reminded in so many ways how God's love protects, comforts and calms the raging sea during the difficult storms of our lives. One side of the river was flowing roughly and had jagged rocks and rapid flowing current, while the other side was amazingly calm and peaceful. It was a complete contrast, yet in so many ways comparable to life's ups and downs. As beautiful and serene this scene was it did remind of my own struggles, the way that my life has been lately. Even with these struggles I am reminded of God's grace and the way he takes care of us. I have peace just knowing that no matter challenge I am facing each day, God will handle it for me if I fully surrender.

surrender

Isn't it odd that when we feel strangely separated from the outside world, we become more connected to self and God? This past month hasn't been an easy one in light of the many changes. Though change is good it can also be energy consuming and emotionally draining. I have had to deal with several things, most of which are highly demanding and very upsetting recently. It's been tough to stay on top of things and to not allow myself to fall back into old habits. I usually use great caution when dealing with an over abundance of stress but this time, like it or not, it was coming and there was little I could do to avoid it even if I tried. 

I have found that in situations where I cannot do anything, God can and will do everything. Even though a lot of things are falling apart, a lot is falling together and I completely believe that it's because of the Lord. We prayed before considering this move. I even fought back and forth about the negatives and positives of it. At one point I even decided to completely forget about it and walk away until God gave us a clear sign that this was most likely where he wanted us to be. Though I cannot describe the feeling of knowing you're at peace with a completely senseless act, God is in control and is leading the way when we fully trust and obey his will. It's not always easy, it sometimes hurts a little but I know in my heart if I fully surrender to his care, he will never forsake me. :)