"When we appeal to our children’s hearts for excellence and choices of good behavior, then we are giving them the will and desire to be excellent all for themselves. Their desire comes from within and their motivation is from their heart. But if we train them behaviorally by always forcing them to do what we want them to do because they might get a spanking, or another kind of threatened discipline, then their motivation is to avoid spanking or harshness but not to please God or to please their parents, by having a good heart and responding in obedience." Sally Clarkson (click on Sally's name to read the rest of what she has to say).
I really needed to read this today. Claire has been having some severe temper tantrums and I think today Mama was on the verge of a major meltdown! I love Sally Clarkson's blog and I want to buy every one of her books! She is so encouraging to mothers. I really do recommend that you make a detour by her blog and read this post. It will bless you in your role as Mom. Have a great weekend!
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Showing posts with label lessons learned. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lessons learned. Show all posts
Friday, May 9, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Random stuff and lessons learned
Thanks for your prayers. The girls are still a little congested but feeling better! :o) I am congested and my throat is very sore right now so I guess we will all have it before long.
If I haven't visited your blog lately, I am sorry. I have been busy with the kids and trying to get things straight in my head and in my life. Good luck, huh?! Just been really convicted about how much time I put into blogging. Not proud of that at all. Anyway, I don't know what I am going to do yet. I think I may cut back to just being on here twice a week or something......still praying about it.
I need to finish my Husband Encouragement Challenge posts. I have been keeping up with it and actually doing it, I just haven't posted about it lately. After that I may take a break for awhile. Forgive any grammatical errors on this page. I am tired from a crazy night with sick kids so I may leave commas out or not make any sense with run on sentences, who knows?
And to make this post completely random, here is a link that you must read! This man and his wife completely inspire me. They make me think about who I am and what am I doing? Seems like God is asking me that a lot lately and it's not exactly comfortable. Not that I could adopt children right now but there are so many things that I could do that I just don't. And that is just wrong and sad.
Okay, now I have to go and live my life. I will try to post again before too long. Everyone have a great weekend! :o)
Love and Prayers,
Julie
If I haven't visited your blog lately, I am sorry. I have been busy with the kids and trying to get things straight in my head and in my life. Good luck, huh?! Just been really convicted about how much time I put into blogging. Not proud of that at all. Anyway, I don't know what I am going to do yet. I think I may cut back to just being on here twice a week or something......still praying about it.
I need to finish my Husband Encouragement Challenge posts. I have been keeping up with it and actually doing it, I just haven't posted about it lately. After that I may take a break for awhile. Forgive any grammatical errors on this page. I am tired from a crazy night with sick kids so I may leave commas out or not make any sense with run on sentences, who knows?
And to make this post completely random, here is a link that you must read! This man and his wife completely inspire me. They make me think about who I am and what am I doing? Seems like God is asking me that a lot lately and it's not exactly comfortable. Not that I could adopt children right now but there are so many things that I could do that I just don't. And that is just wrong and sad.
Okay, now I have to go and live my life. I will try to post again before too long. Everyone have a great weekend! :o)
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Friday, May 2, 2008
Day 20-21-22 Husband Encouragement Challenge- Catching Up!!
Read this wife's description of her beloved in Song of Solomon 5:10-16.
Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge."
Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.
Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.
As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)
*This is not hard for me to do at all! I truly believe that Charlie is SO gorgeous! My man is HOT!!!!! He has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever and the most adorable crooked grin! His arms are so strong and nothing ever feels as right as when he is holding me. I love him SO much and he loves me. I am SO blessed that he picked me!
Day 21-
"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband (by God's grace and in His power) you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.
Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.
Does your husband--rightly or wrongly--harbor grudges against you? Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.
*Charlie is also very forgiving of my wrongs. He is a wonderful man who I can share things with and not worry that he will become or stay angry at me. He inspires me to be more forgiving. Thank you Lord.
Day 22-
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do, or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.
Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.
If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will last into eternity: the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.
*Charlie is really not caught up in materialism. But sometimes we get that way when we are depressed about situations in our life. I try so hard to encourage Charlie in his work and in making our financial decisions. He does a very good job when we stay focused on Christ and not on money. We are both improving so much.
This challenge has helped our marriage tremendously. Please join if you haven't yet. Satan won't win if we all join together.
Blessings & Love,
Julie
Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge."
Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.
Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.
As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)
*This is not hard for me to do at all! I truly believe that Charlie is SO gorgeous! My man is HOT!!!!! He has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever and the most adorable crooked grin! His arms are so strong and nothing ever feels as right as when he is holding me. I love him SO much and he loves me. I am SO blessed that he picked me!
Day 21-
"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband (by God's grace and in His power) you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.
Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.
Does your husband--rightly or wrongly--harbor grudges against you? Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.
*Charlie is also very forgiving of my wrongs. He is a wonderful man who I can share things with and not worry that he will become or stay angry at me. He inspires me to be more forgiving. Thank you Lord.
Day 22-
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do, or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful.
Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.
If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will last into eternity: the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.
*Charlie is really not caught up in materialism. But sometimes we get that way when we are depressed about situations in our life. I try so hard to encourage Charlie in his work and in making our financial decisions. He does a very good job when we stay focused on Christ and not on money. We are both improving so much.
This challenge has helped our marriage tremendously. Please join if you haven't yet. Satan won't win if we all join together.
Blessings & Love,
Julie
Monday, April 28, 2008
She grins just like Kermit....
Some of you will have no idea what I am talking about but I am going to share this anyway (mainly for family that read this blog ; aka.. my sisters and my mom and my aunt).
Today I had to run to the store to get some soap because I was out of laundry detergent and I had about 6 loads of laundry to do. I put Lily in the front of the cart and Claire in the part where you put groceries. We were walking down the aisle looking for soap and my Uncle Kermit's lifetime neighbor comes around the corner. She stops me and says, " That baby(Lily) grins just like Kermit. I mean it, she looks just like him with blonde hair. She is such a doll and you are so blessed to have such a precious reminder of Kermit."
I quickly thanked her with tears rolling down my face and hurried around the corner to the register. What a precious thing to say to me. She will never know the gift she gave me today.
We miss you so much, Kermit. Life is not the same without your smiling face. I have been reading your Dick and Jane books to Claire & Lily. I know that you are reading in heaven. I love you. "G"
*I am going to try and upload some pictures later. I can't get it to work right now. *I still can't get Kermit's picture to load, I am having to scan it. I will try again later. Hopefully, I can get it posted.
Today I had to run to the store to get some soap because I was out of laundry detergent and I had about 6 loads of laundry to do. I put Lily in the front of the cart and Claire in the part where you put groceries. We were walking down the aisle looking for soap and my Uncle Kermit's lifetime neighbor comes around the corner. She stops me and says, " That baby(Lily) grins just like Kermit. I mean it, she looks just like him with blonde hair. She is such a doll and you are so blessed to have such a precious reminder of Kermit."
I quickly thanked her with tears rolling down my face and hurried around the corner to the register. What a precious thing to say to me. She will never know the gift she gave me today.
We miss you so much, Kermit. Life is not the same without your smiling face. I have been reading your Dick and Jane books to Claire & Lily. I know that you are reading in heaven. I love you. "G"
*I am going to try and upload some pictures later. I can't get it to work right now. *I still can't get Kermit's picture to load, I am having to scan it. I will try again later. Hopefully, I can get it posted.
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