CRIES FROM A MAMA'S HEART

As a mother there very few things I would not do for my kids.  That being said; as a mother with a disability, there are quite a few things that I physically can't do for my kids.  Now, mind you, this is nothing new; we've been dealing with this for over 15 years.
However, as they start each new phase of their life, we (OK, mainly I) have to readjust to what I can and can't do with and for them.  They're both at a point in their life where they do want to and have extra curricular activities.  Dalton is doing some form of fashion of basketball practice.  at least 5 days a weeks.  Bobbye Sue's in Girl Scout, plus she wants to pursue archery and student council.  (Yes, she may be a bit ambitious!) I want to be  that ultimate "soccer" mom who's at every game, who knows all her kids friends, teachers and coaches.  In my  heart, I know what an unrealistic version of a mom this is.  Even if I could drive and do things a "normal" mama could do, I'd still have a big problem: There's only one of me and there are two of them.
Years ago I was crying out to God about this very issues and said; "Why does my Cerebral Palsy have to effect my kids?  It's not fair!"  God quickly rebuked me and said; "Don't you think maybe I wanted your Cerebral to effect your kids!"  This was, and still is, such a powerful statement!  My kids truly have not suffered because of my CP.  It may even be a blessing.  In fact, as I write this Bobbye was reading over my shoulder and said; "You  know Mama, it really doesn't effect us that much."  
As a mother, I have to keep my eye on the prize; which is to be able to look at my kids and to know that they love God and that they are kind and helpful people.  As far as their extra curricular extra activity goes; I trust that God that He always lead them in the paths they should go.

Rambling Monday - My Fall Goals

Last week, I blog about how the start of each new school is like my "new" year.  I also  like to redo my  goals at this time of the year..;So here goes:

HOMEMAKING:  - Make my bed every morning.
                                  -Work on one room in the house each day:
                                              -Monday-my bedroom
                                               -Tuesday-bathrooms
                                               -Wednesday-Laundry room
                                                -Thursday-kitchen
                                                 -Friday-living room
                                                 -Saturday-catch up
                                                 -Sunday-Family day
                                    -Clean the kitchen every night before bed


PERSONALLY:          -Walk more
                                    -Blog at least 3X a week
                                   - Do some more blog hops
                                    -Read at least one book per week


SPIRITUALLY:        -Read Bible daily
                                    - encourage others on purpose
                                    -Journal regularly
                                    -listen to/ watch  inspirational speakers
                                   -memorize scriptures, especially those of praise

WIFELY                   -Pray for Barrett daily
                                  - Encourage him
                                   -Don't talk back
                                   -RESPECT him

MOTHERLY           -Pray for Dalton and Bobbye Sue daily
                                  -Listen intently to them.
                                  -Count to 10 and pray before I react to them
                                  -Encourage them daily
                                  -Make it clear that I'm 100% behind the
                                 -RESPECT them

Rambling Mondays & March Goals

Its rambling Monday and Tennessee FINALLY got snow.  Not much, but enough to build a small snowman.  The scarf was made by Bobbye Sue and the monocle is Dalton's.  They are enjoying time off school and I hear we're have a Star Wars marathon.  I can't wait.  

So, I've been reading up on setting goals, following through and getting stuff done.  I did set some goals in January.  I have done pretty well at doing my daily devotions.  I've being blogging more and been doing several blog hops a week. I still need to work on a couple of things.

Here of my March goals:

~ Drink more water

~ Eat better

~ Start walking

~ Blog at least 3 times a week

~ Read and do The Love Dare for Barrett

~Clean out my bedroom closets

~Start working on Vacation Bible School

~Keep working on keeping my house in order

~Continually with my devotional reading

Made to Crave Blog Hop - I am Holy

To be made holy is to be set apart by God for a specific purpose.

I have been deemed set apart by God for a specific purpose.

Does this make me holy?

 I’m a nobody.  I’m just a crippled middle aged woman in Middle Tennessee.  I’ve never done anything amazing.  My name is not known all over the world.  I don’t make life altering decisions every day that can make or break people.  I’m not a doctor with the next big cure.  I’m not a political leader with some grand suggestion for world peace.  I don’t have a solution to feed hungry kids, or to make parents love their children, nor can I make husbands and wife stay in a marriage where everyone and everything else says throw in the towel.

I’m no one, remember?

But, what if I have been set apart God for a specific purpose?

Leviticus 19:2  ^says, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”

It’s easy for us in our human state to doubt that we can be holy because…

       “I’m crippled…”

        “My parents abandoned me…”

        “My spouse rejected me…”

         “I’m overweight…”

This list can go on forever.  It’s been said that if you’re looking for an excuse; you’ll always find one.  But, our holiness has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with God: We are holy because He is holy.

Too often we think that God can’t use us because of our brokenness.  But in all reality, it is through our brokenness that God does use us.  Honestly, I do not know if I’d be a Christian if I wasn’t disabled.  My parents weren’t going to church when I was born.  When it was time for me to start school, they found a Catholic school that was just for disabled students.  My parents choose to put me in there rather than a public school where I would have probably been place into a special education class.

Uhm, set apart…

God knew.  My disability didn’t take Him by surprise.  While I don’t think He caused me to be disabled, I do think He allowed in for my good and for His glory.   Romans 8:28 tells us; “We know that all things work God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” 

 Somehow, my problems and your problems will all reveal God’s glory.  And I don’t have to do anything but get out of His way.  Ahh, but I’m stubborn.  I what people to see what I’ve done; to be impressed with the progress I’ve made.  What about me?  This is my life and I deserve the credit of what happens in my life.  Right.

I tell my kids all the time; “This is my life, I just let you live here.”  OK maybe not the best example.  But, we were created by God to have a relationship with God.  Luke 19:40 says (after Jesus was told by the Pharisees to rebuke His disciples), “’I tell you’ He replied, ‘If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”  Wow, if I don’t praise God and give Him glory, the rocks will do it in my place!  I don’t want to miss out on praise and glorifying God.  He made me who I am.  He created me in my mother’s womb.  He choose my parents and my siblings.  He choose Bryan Barrett to be my husband and Dalton and Bobbye Sue to be our children.  I don’t know why He chose to bless me, but He did.

If I’d not been disabled I doubt I’d ever gone to college. I’d never met Barrett or have had these two wonderful kids. 

Yes, I know I’m holy and have been set apart by God for a specific purpose.  Have you?

A Few Cripple Mama Tips

Every now and then I like share a couple of tips about living with a disability and some  ways I do stuff.  

This first picture I tried to share a few weeks ago and I uploaded it to my blog on my phone and for some reason its showing in my blog on my phone, but not on the compute.

I was making tea one night and I didn't want to spill the mix (like I usually do).  So first I hung the measuring cup on the picture, but it was too top heavy.  Then I hung it on the divider in the sink.  Worked out perfect; its less likely to spill and if it does spill,  I just wash the sink out.

 I LOVE THIS ONE!!!  Dalton helped me clean the kitchen last week and we got rid of the spice carousal.  I didn't want to throw it away, so I decided it'd make a great pill  bottle holder.  I'm probably not the first one to think of this, but its a great idea.

The Last Days of SUMMER!!!

Hard to believe, but school starts a week from Tuesday.  Bobbye Sue and I are doing our happy dance & Dalton, of course, is dragging his feet and starting to make those loud  moaning noise that cause me to halfway be concerned, but mostly be annoyed.  So, we're trying to sneak in a last few days of "FUN".  Yesterday, we went skating  with some of the  girls from Girl Scouts.  Bobbye Sue's BFF since 2nd grade is moving to Indiana in about a week, so we're trying to see her some.  God is so good...Barrett's niece,  .Kaylei, has came to live with her grandparents.  I think this will soften the blow when her friend moves.  
      So today, we went bowling with my BFF, Becki, and her 3 kids.  We met up with another friend and her daughter  The kids had  a blast and discovered Alex & Dalton LOVE laser tag!!!  I love that our kids are so close and get along, even though we sometimes don't get to see each other a lot.  We laugh at Alex & Dalton, they're always hesitance about getting together, but always fun when they do!   
    As we start this next week, we've really have to transition back to school 'mode'.  We started going to bed early last week, but this week we got to work on GETTING UP EARLY.  Barrett start his new shift this week which we allow him to be home earlier & see the kids more (YEAH!!!!!!!!).  Hopefully, I'll be able to get into a better routine myself; especially with house cleaning and healthy menu planning, & maybe even more time for blogging.  The start of school is always (still) an exciting time for me because it's fresh new star - a new year.    I can't believe I have a 7th grader & a  4th grader.  They're growing up way to fast.  I prayer that God will help be aware & gracious of the days in my little people's lives. 

BRAVE: A MOTHER/DAUGHTER FLICK

Today was great!!!  I took the kids to Y.  Dalton was suppose to have a basket ball clinic @ Patterson Park. We get all the way over there & it was canceled.  So, after swimming a practicing basket ball, we got to go to the movies.  The boys saw "The Dark Knight Rises", of course; and Bobbye Sue's been dying to see "Brave", so that's where we went.  I must admit; I wasn't expecting much from the previews...it looked kind of boring.  However, it turned out to be really good!  It's a princess who is being groomed by her mother, the queen, to be perfect.  God's timing is awesome!!!  As part of The Titus 2 University this month, we are reading the book Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman.   I love, love, love the book.  It was like Mrs. Freeman just picked my brain & wrote down all the things I'm thinking, but I'm too afraid to say; Good girls are not suppose to think this way!!!    The book is just totally making me reevaluate how I think and do things.  (I hope to write a few more blogs about Grace for the Good Girls in the coming weeks.)  
      Anyway, what was so astonishing was how God revealed that I am "encouraging" Bobbye Sue to be a "Good Girl" too.  While yes, there are things that I need to teach her; am I truly teaching her God's ways or am I imposing my expectations on her?   Too often, I feel like I do the latter one.  I want my kids to love and obey God because they have a relationship with God; not because the are in fear of Him or feel like the have to preform for Him


Proverbs 22:6 says 
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."

I remember having a conversation with a good friend of my, Becca Harrison, a few years ago and she told me (I think) that the original translation went something like;  "Train up a child  in the way in the   way  he is bent..."  She explained to me that God has a path set for our children to go and that is not our job to force them what to do but to guide them.  I am not responsible for the route my children take.  I can train, advise and pray fir them,  but at the end of the  day, they will have to be accountable for their own choices.  Like in "Brave" (not to spoil the ending), the daughter begins to understand the mother a little better and the mother starts to accept  the daughter for who she is.  This was a great lesson  for me; not only as a mother, but also as God's daughter.  As mom, I need to be  able  to step back and realize that this is  their   life and they're going to have to live it the way they see fit.  As God's daughter, I need   to strengthen  my own relationship with Him and not always try to please others; thinking  that this is how I am to pleas God.

BE CAREFUL LITTLE (BIG) hMOUTH WHAT YOU SAY...

...BE CAREFUL LITTLE (BIG) MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY, FOR THE FATHER UP ABOVE, HE IS LOOKING DOWN IN LOVE; BE CAREFUL LITTLE (BIG) MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY!

We have to be SO careful of what we say and how we act in front of or little people don't we?  A few months ago I was having trouble with Dalton disobeying & disrespecting me, so I printed out copies of the 10 Commandments and tape them to both his and Bobbye Sue doors, with all intent of nipping the problem in the bud!  Well, as you can guess, I haven't use it as much as I had planed on or should have.  


Well last night, I was "helping" Bobbye Sue clean her room.  A tedius jobs that took hours and plum exhausted me. While I was taking a hot bath - trying to loosen my sore muscles, she brought me her copy of the 10 Commandments and said.  "Mama, this says; 'Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.  The Lord will find guilty anyone who misuses His name.' Mama, while we we cleaning my room I heard you misuse the Lord's name serval times.  You shouldn't do that!"


GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!  A great lesson for me to lead by example and practice what I preach!!!

God Spoke

So, a few weeks ago we were have a transportation issue ~ surprise,surprise.  Both the kids were scheduled to attend day camp: Dalton to basket ball camp & Bobbye Sue to girl scout camp.  Before I signed her I made sure Bobbye Sue had a ride.  Well, things didn't work.  One day, I cried out to God in anger; "WHY DOES MY CEREBRAL PALSY HAVE TO EFFECT MY KIDS?  IT'S NOT FAIR!!!"  God quickly rebuked me & said; "Don't you think maybe I wanted your Cerebral Palsy to effect your kids?"  I can't explain it and other way than to say it felt like someone punched me in the stomach...It took my breath away & all I could think was "WOW!!!"  I am on of those people who think that all think are interconnected. My mama always says "You never know; maybe one of your kids or grand-kids may came up with a cure/treatment for CP."  I've really been thinking about all of this and truly amazed.  I have no idea what God has in for me or my kids.  They may have situations in their life that only be handled with   the knowledge and mercy that can come with having a disabled mother.  I'm by no way saying I'm a martyr, nor do I want to be, but if my trails and struggles can in anyway strengthen my friends and or family's relationships with God then bring on the trails and struggles.

Twistable Tuesday - Fall Break

Hard to believe, but my little people are on fall break this week...  So far it's been an OK week.  Today we went to the library and then Barrett picked us up and we went to supper at Toots.  Then we went and saw Dolphin Tales; such a great inspirational, family movie.  Of, course now Bobbye Sue wants a pet fish and go to the Clear Water Aquarium in Florida and visit the real Winter the Dolphin.  We're not doing too much the rest of the week.  On Friday, Dalton's going to a church lock in and Bobbye Sue's BFF is spending the night - can't call it a sleep over, as I'm sure not much sleeping will be going on...LOL

Going Through The Marriage Devotional Bible - Day 4 "Passing the Torch

Mathew 28:19 "Therefore go and make deciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  (NIV)

This is the Great Commission.  Many people believe that in order to serve God you have to be doing church work; pastoring or teaching, or serving over seas on foreign soil or something big that makes an impact on  the community.  They are wrong.  EVERYONE IS CALLED  TO BE A MISSIONARY; WHETHER YOU'RE A DOCTOR WHO JUST GOT A NOBLE PEACE PRIZE OR A MAMA WHO'S JUST CHANGED HER 1,000TH DIAPER.

Our life is our mission field.  We have been commanded by God to go out and tell others about Him.  There's nothing special about me; but my God is awesome!!!  Barrett loves to tell about how people watch and look at us when we go anywhere as a couple or a family.  Some gawk, some laugh, some turn their heads in disgust...We are not the typical family, but we are the family called us to be.  I may never go on a mission trip to a 3rd world country.  But who knows what Dalton and Bobbye Sue may do one day because Barrett and I followed God and were obedient to Him.  He has promised to bless the offspring of the faithful.  A trip to the grocery store my not seem like a big deal to most, but as a Christian I hope that when people look at me they can see that Christ gives me strength.

Go Away you Green Eyed Jelous Monster

I'm feeling very jealous tonight.  Two of my sisters-in-law have had babies in the past 4 months and my other sister-in-law is expecting her 4th child in March.  While I am happy for them I'm also envious.  God bless me with two wonderful children after 2 difficult pregnancies.  With Bobbye Sue I went into labor at 27 weeks and I spent 2 months in the hospital.  She was born perfect (as Dalton had been; which was another story.)  It was with a heavy heart that I decided to have my tubes tied when Bobbye Sue was 6 months old.  After much  prayer and discussion with Barrett, we decided we couldn't risk having another baby - the doctors said that I probably would  never carry another baby to term.  I know in my hearts of hearts that I'd have a hard time dealing if I lost a baby due to my inability to carry it.  I feel so bad for any women that losses a child - but know that I had a great chance of losing one - I just couldn't  do it.  I worry that people think that I'm selfish because I did choose to take procedures so I wouldn't have more kids.  I grew up in a family of 7 kids and in a church that really looks down up birth control and having lots of babies.  I can remember when we joined the church when I was 7 - there were four of us kids then - mama said that they had one of the smallest  family  and people wanted to know when they were going to expand their family.  LOL!  So I truly had to pray about this because I do believe that children are gifts from God and true blessings.  God has promised me that I will have other children in my life.  Also, I think I want another kid, but then I start thinking my kids are 12 & 8, do I truly want to start with a little bitty baby.  I don't think so.

No TV IN BEDROOMS MEANS NO TV IN BEDROOMS

PERIOD.   This can go down as another proof that my kids will claim to their therapist that I'm a  "bad mama" for  years to come.  So,  Dalton had a TV in his room until he was about 4.  It's now that I'm against TV; I'm not.   And I might as well say this and get it out of the way.  I did have a TV in my room the whole time I was growing up.  Nanny and Papa got it for me when I was 3 and had my heal - cord surgery and had to be in a body cast for 6 weeks.  (BTW - if my kids were sick or something I'd readjust my opinion.)  However this is not the case.  We have 2 TVs, a family computer and an IPAD.  My kids are not technology deprived.  I do want to know what  they're viewing...
       Anyway.   when we redid Dalton's room a few weeks ago, he and Grandaddy started saying that they were going to get a TV for his room.  I think - hope - they're just trying to aggravate me.  Well  the kids went to Grandma's this week.  They called from Good Will yesterday (on Mom's phone - Dalton doesn't have his own cell phone either) and said he found a portable TV for $5.00 - he actually had my step-dad call first.   So, #1, he tried to get something he knew  he couldn't have & #2 he tried to appeal to his grandparents  thanking if it was a "GIFT" we'd allow him to keep it.
        Do I look like I just fell off the turnip truck???    My kids don't realize how much LIKE me they truly are!!!  I've done these tricks & if I haven't; chances are Stacia are one of the boys have.  It took me  30 + years to figure out why I had so many brothers; to prepare me to raise 1 son

Dalton's Bedroom Prayer

Dear God, This has been Dalton's room for many years, and I hope it will be for many to come.  Lord, help this room to be a sanctuary for him to live and grow in.  Please do not let anything ungodly or sinful enter into this room.  Protect and guard Dalton from all temptations.  If and when he is tempted, pleas give him wisdom and strength to do the right thing.  Please help me to respect his privacy, but help him to also understand that because I do love and care for him so much, there may be times when I need to invade on his privacy.  Please help me to always remember that he is an individual; uniquely created in God's image.  I know he is a gift from you to me.  Please help me to care for and raise him according to your standards.   In Your Holy Name I pray...Amen

Rambling Mondays - Dalton's graduating

Somehow, over night it seams, my little boy grew up. Wasn't it only yesterday that I was sitting on the porch waiting for the school bus on his first day of developmental kindergarten. Tomorrow, he will graduate from 5th grade and he will start middle school in the fall. He really is a good kid. He gave mee life just as I did him. He made me a mother. You know, it's funny. My kids have taught me so much about God and love. I know God love us so much more than I can even phathom. It's just mind boggling to think of the true miracle that it is to be a mama.

Frame of Mind Friday - Crossing into the Twilight Zone

DO-DO-DO-DO-DO!!!  We, like many other folks have discover the wonder of of NETFLIXS.  One of Dalton's new favorite shows  is "The Twilight Zone"  I personally LOVE this show!!!  The something very intriguing
 about watching a show that's a little off with a bit of spookiness & doesn't really  have any rhyme or reason.  I suppose it's because half the time I myself feel like I  have entered into the twilight zone.  I just sometimes feel like I'm just watching things happen; things that I have no control over.  This has been a busy  week and as the school winds down, our schedules seams to be picking up.  I'm excited about our upcoming summer plans, I'm also aware that they will  come their own trails and stresses.  I really want to enjoy this summer; Barrett & my little people.  Sometimes when we get busy, we tend to ignore(or more like) put our spiritual life on the  back burner.  However when we do this, even when it's intentionality, it can leave an portlet for Satan to come in and try to gain control in our life. We   have to be very villi-gent in these times to stay straight and focused on God

Fried pickles Fit

OK, Just need to talk this out, please.  Tonight, I took the kids and granddaddy (who sat in the truck)   to Captain D's.  Dalton had wanted fried pickles.  Well, in the process of ordering, there was a miscommunication between the lady who took our order, him and I: She told him it would cost extra and  showed him what he could get as sides,  He said OK, assuming he would get the pickles.  Well somehow the pickles didn't get ordered.  Well, instead of nicely if he could order them, he got ugly and started throwing a fit, and said he wasn't;t does it and wanted to go out to the truck.  It was quite a scene.  Then Bobbye Sue got involved .  She went and told them that we wanted an order of pickle.  I politely told the lady "No thank you."  and explained to Bobbye Sue that she couldn't override me like that.  She turned on her big puppy dog eyes and said;  "Mama, I was just trying to be a good sister.: :cry:  I told her I knew that, but she need to let me be the mama.  Anyway, all the way home Dalton continued to fuss.  This of course upset DFIL.  I feel he think I'm a bad mother.  But I have to do what I think is best for them and giving in to them doesn't work.  They have to respect me.  I know Dalton  is growing up  and trying to figure  out who he is.  We had a(nother) long talk when we got home.  He said I don't love him.  I told him I did and that I pray, and cry and fret over him more than anything.  I told him my job is to raise him, not to bend to his every whim.  I told him that he may not really see how much I really love him until he's an adult and has kids.  I really think our talk planted a seed and In fact he called me from Granddaddy's before bed to say was really sorry and he loved me.    He's such a good kid and I know growing up is hard...All I can do is pray to the greatesr father of all.   I felt peaceful today, I usually feel like such I bad mama, but I just have this great sense of peace today that holding my ground  was the right thing to do

HOME KEEPER'S JOURNAL: Disapointment

Today’s Homekeeper’s Journal is all about disappointment.

Disappointment. The thing we don’t want and we don’t want our children to experience. But then again, we do want our children to experience it so that they can learn and grow. Disappointment is something that we just wish wasn’t part of life, but it always will be.

My biggest kitchen disappointment ……… For the past few weeks I really haven't felt well for the past couple of weeks; I'm in a lot a pain (Going to the doctor Tuesday).  But because I'm not feeling well I wasn't able to clean the kitchen the house like I wanted or needed to.  

I’ve learned this from disappointment ….. I was blessed with 2 great parents who taught me how to deal with disappointments.  Growing  up with a disability, I had many challenges.  Some I was able to overcome and others I weren't.  My parents  always  tried to encourage and not let me wallow in self - pity.  They pushed me to be the best that I could.  I think disappointment are a part of life and you have to face them and move on.  Some of the most crucial lessons I have learned in my life, have came out of my times of disappointment.  I have to constantly  remind myself to ask; "OK God, what do you want me to learn from this?"What I hope my children can learn from disappointment ….. Just that: that they can learn from disappointment.    I'd like them see their disappointment as stepping stones to get closer to God.

Disappointment with people …..I'm a "people pleaser" by nature and I really want people to be happy so I hate to disappointed them.  On the other hand I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they disappoint.  However, this is harder to do with the people I love most: Bryan, Dalton & Bobbye Sue.  I tend to be harsher with them.    I really need to pray and seek God's guidance in this area.

The Bible speaks about disappointment a lot. Here are some verses that give us comfort and strength in the face of disappointment.   Tell how these verses can help you overcome disappointment……

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:23-25  We are to work to please God and not others.  I have to pray that God will give me the right frame mind, heart and spirit in order to do my work to please & glorify God.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:13-14  This verse tells me that I am  to be confident in all I do because I believe in Jesus and have eternal life.  If I trust in God and that if I do what I believe that God wants me to do, everything will work out. 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28  I know that if I love God and follow His will for my life that everything will work out.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Philippians 4:6-7  I am not suppose   to get anxious or upset about anything.  I'm to pray about everything and give all my worries to God.

He Gets It & Is Passing It On

I love to listening to preaching/teaching on the radio or CD.  (If you didn't know better you'd thing I'd marry someone in talk radio or something...LOL!!!) My favorite thing to listen to are teaching on being a Christian  wife and mother.  Last week Dalton and I was talking about it -which of course he thinks it's wried that I do this- I told him, I do it to keep my mind focused.  As I go about my daily routine, I'm listening and learning more about God and how to follow Him and do His will.  One of the things I've been listening to lately is The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.  In the book she tells about how her son was having nightmares.  So she went in his rooms (and yes, I do believe in going into my kids rooms; call me nosey if you may) and she found a video game  that was violent and even had stuff to do with an occult I think.  They took the game out of his room and prayed over his room.  Well, lo and behold, the kid stopped having night.  I'm not sure why I told Dalton this story, but I did.  Well, on Sunday the sermon at church was talking about surrounding yourself with good teachings, music, ect.  Later that afternoon I asked Dalton if he understood more of why I listen to the CDs.  He said no and then proceeded to tell me of a friend of his who was having  nightmares and having trouble sleeping.  The went on talking and his friend told him about a song he'd been listening to.  His friend sang it to Dalton and Dalton said: "Mama, it was a horrible, horrible song!"  He suggested to his friend that he may want to stop listening to that song, he actually retold the story of Stormie Omartian's son.  His friend said he would.  So proud of Dalton!!!

A to Z Blog Challenge - E is for Education

 is for EDUCATION.  I'm not one of these people who thinks that everyone HAS  GOT TO go to college, but I do think education is very important.  Barrett and I were the first in our families to go to college.   That's where we met.  Yes, I want my kids to go to college, but above that I want them to follow God's will for there life.  We are fortunate to live in a community with good public schools,  I've been thinking a lot education lately, as Dalton will start middle school in August.  I even pondered the idea of homeschooling.  Through much prayer, I've come to the decision that is not the road for our family right now.  God may allow this one day.    As I'm not their teacher, I'm to oversees their studies, to be their advocator  and their encourager.  The scary thing about your kids growing up is that you don't know everything.  And you've got to do that big thing and TRUST them!  I keep think back to their lives: Did I teach them the right things?  Did I cross all my T's and dot all my I's?  Did I pray for them enough?  Do I love them enough?
     Dear God,  Thank you so much for the blessings  of my children .  Lord, I pray that their for are clear and focused.  I pray that they have good,, godly teachers.  Give them patience and peace in the class room.  I pray the  school staff and administration.  Please help them to make good decisions.  Please just have Your spirit over the schools of Rutherford County and  over all of this nation.  I pray for peace and safety  above the schools.  Help  my children to follow Your will for them  in their life.   I pray that whether my kids go to a   formal school or barely pass through the school of hard knocks, that they always appreciate the education that You give them.  May they take always take advantage of any opportunities that You may give them.   In Your holy name, I ask...AMEN