I love Facebook. But my husband doesn't, at all. He just doesn't get it. Yesterday I posted on my status that we had BLT's for lunch with fresh from the garden tomatoes. He could not understand why anyone would want to know what we ate for lunch. "How Crazy." I did get several comments, one even suggested we start a BLT FB page. Wait until I tell David. lol
I really do like Facebook, for several reasons. First, it's fun to set up a page, customize, post what you are doing, get responses. It's fun to interact with other people. In this fast paced world, it's good to send a quick message to someone, a word of encouragement, a thought, a suggestion, a verse or two of scripture. You can still communicate with people and keep in touch even though there is not a lot of extra time these days. And I will admit, our lack of time is a shame, but Facebook is a great way to compensate for that.
One of my favorite things about Facebook is the way I can keep in touch and communicate with cousins and family that don't live in our town. Just a few minutes ago I chatted with a second cousin who's mom, my first cousin, has been very sick. I got a quick update on how she was doing today. Several months ago my cousin sent messages asking us to pray for her husband's business. This economy has been extremely hard on his profession. I responded and told her I would pray. So every day when I would pass his business, I would pray for him, for his business, for his finances for him and his wife. And then she sent a message telling us she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. So, as I prayed for his business, I began praying for her too. And some days I would not go by his business, but I would turn at the four-way stop and I would begin praying. Now that is my landmark to remind me to pray. Sometimes I add others to the list. But I know that everyday I will pray for her and her husband, because I go through that four-way stop everyday.
So, if you hear me say, "I am Praying at the Four-way stop", you will know I am praying for my cousin. And when she is well, and there are others to pray for, that will be my 'friendly' reminder to begin praying.
Blessing,
DartyPartyMom
Friday, August 28, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
How to Raise Your Parents
As I was waiting for my coffee this morning at the local coffee shop, I spotted this book, "How to Raise Your Parents." Today I have been feeling rather nostalgic regarding parenting. My oldest son turns 20 today. Congratulations to Justin. And my youngest son, Jordan, turned 15 about a week ago. They have survived our parenting, so far. So, what have I learned in the short 20 years that I have been a parent?
1-You've got to train yourself before you train your child. II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." II Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word; be prepared in and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go."
2-The bible is truth. "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Proverbs 13:24. Need I say more?
3-It should be God's plan, not ours. You must let them do what they are called by God to do. You may want them to be a doctor, lawyer, etc., but if the Lord is calling them to be a foreign missionary, let them go. Jeremiah 29:11
4-Parenting is a great way to learn the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." Sadly, I have not always demonstrated these to my children.
5-Be a Mary, not a Martha. Luke 10:38-41 Now, cleaning your house is a necessary evil, I mean chore. But don't get distracted by this and miss watching your kids grow up. My husband says you should invest more time than money in you kids.
6-To much is given, much is required. Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." "Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Twenty years ago, our little bundle of joy came with great responsibility. Not only did we have to feed and clothe him, but we had to teach him, especially respect by example. As a parent, we cannot abuse that authority given by our Lord. My husband adds, "Don't be too picky regarding your children's faults."
7-God loves us, despite our failures. My kids had messed up. They have gotten their clothes dirty, they have failed to pick up their toys, they have gotten in trouble at school, they have disobeyed, they have made a bad grade or two, but beyond a shadow of a doubt, I LOVE MY CHILDREN. I will never fully understand the enormous love God has for me, I do understand the concept of unconditional love. God loves me in spite of all the times I mess up. And I love my children more than I could ever fully express.
So, Happy Birthday Justin (August 24) and Happy Birthday Jordan (August 16). I have learned so much by being your parent. It is a blessing and an honor that the Gracious Lord has chosen me to be your Mom. Just another way He has shown me His great Love.
1-You've got to train yourself before you train your child. II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." II Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word; be prepared in and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go."
2-The bible is truth. "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Proverbs 13:24. Need I say more?
3-It should be God's plan, not ours. You must let them do what they are called by God to do. You may want them to be a doctor, lawyer, etc., but if the Lord is calling them to be a foreign missionary, let them go. Jeremiah 29:11
4-Parenting is a great way to learn the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." Sadly, I have not always demonstrated these to my children.
5-Be a Mary, not a Martha. Luke 10:38-41 Now, cleaning your house is a necessary evil, I mean chore. But don't get distracted by this and miss watching your kids grow up. My husband says you should invest more time than money in you kids.
6-To much is given, much is required. Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." "Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Twenty years ago, our little bundle of joy came with great responsibility. Not only did we have to feed and clothe him, but we had to teach him, especially respect by example. As a parent, we cannot abuse that authority given by our Lord. My husband adds, "Don't be too picky regarding your children's faults."
7-God loves us, despite our failures. My kids had messed up. They have gotten their clothes dirty, they have failed to pick up their toys, they have gotten in trouble at school, they have disobeyed, they have made a bad grade or two, but beyond a shadow of a doubt, I LOVE MY CHILDREN. I will never fully understand the enormous love God has for me, I do understand the concept of unconditional love. God loves me in spite of all the times I mess up. And I love my children more than I could ever fully express.
So, Happy Birthday Justin (August 24) and Happy Birthday Jordan (August 16). I have learned so much by being your parent. It is a blessing and an honor that the Gracious Lord has chosen me to be your Mom. Just another way He has shown me His great Love.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Criss, Cross, Crash
My boys, I mean, young men that the Lord has given my husband and I the priviledge of raising will have birthdays this month. One turns, 15, and one turns 20. Where have the years gone? With each birthday we celebrate, we start new and exciting chapters in our lives.
We began one new chapter last Monday. High School. We have been through high school once already. (Well, 3 times if you count David and I). High School for Justin began 5 years ago, and I have forgottten many things, namely, the TRAFFIC. We leave our home at about 7:10 a.m. and drive within a few hundred yards of the school and SIT. We then creep along at a snails pace, and thirty minutes later, we drop him off at the front door to the school. Patience with traffic is not my strong suit, well, let's be honest, not my suit at all. And so I fuss and fume, aloud. I talk about how this driver cuts line and how that driver speeds, and how that other driver is out of control. And we get to the top of the hill and cars are going everywhere. And before its all over with, Jordan and I are yelling at each other. Not good at all. Not the last words I need to be saying to my son. I have become a stumbling block to Jordan. My fussing and complaining tells Jordan its ok for him to fume and fuss.
And this made me think about how I should be silent regarding other times I am 'unhappy'. Like situations at work or at church. I open my mouth and spew out unkind words or complaints that others might not have, I am releasing thoughts and planting seeds that may otherwise not be there. When I speak at inappropriate times and in inappropriate ways, I am a stumbling block to others.
Many times David has shared with me problems that have come up at church and most times he will talk about the situation, but will not mention names. That protects me from looking down on someone or having hard feelings toward them. David is not throwing stumbling blocks in my way.
There will be problems that arise that need to be discussed in the appropriate manner and with the appropriate people.
But for our drive to school I need not fuss and complain and become a stumbling block for my son. I want it to be a positive time for us and I want to set a good example for him.
At (almost) 15, he is too old to play with blocks, so I will try to not throw any his way.
Blessing,
DartyPartyMom
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
We began one new chapter last Monday. High School. We have been through high school once already. (Well, 3 times if you count David and I). High School for Justin began 5 years ago, and I have forgottten many things, namely, the TRAFFIC. We leave our home at about 7:10 a.m. and drive within a few hundred yards of the school and SIT. We then creep along at a snails pace, and thirty minutes later, we drop him off at the front door to the school. Patience with traffic is not my strong suit, well, let's be honest, not my suit at all. And so I fuss and fume, aloud. I talk about how this driver cuts line and how that driver speeds, and how that other driver is out of control. And we get to the top of the hill and cars are going everywhere. And before its all over with, Jordan and I are yelling at each other. Not good at all. Not the last words I need to be saying to my son. I have become a stumbling block to Jordan. My fussing and complaining tells Jordan its ok for him to fume and fuss.
And this made me think about how I should be silent regarding other times I am 'unhappy'. Like situations at work or at church. I open my mouth and spew out unkind words or complaints that others might not have, I am releasing thoughts and planting seeds that may otherwise not be there. When I speak at inappropriate times and in inappropriate ways, I am a stumbling block to others.
Many times David has shared with me problems that have come up at church and most times he will talk about the situation, but will not mention names. That protects me from looking down on someone or having hard feelings toward them. David is not throwing stumbling blocks in my way.
There will be problems that arise that need to be discussed in the appropriate manner and with the appropriate people.
But for our drive to school I need not fuss and complain and become a stumbling block for my son. I want it to be a positive time for us and I want to set a good example for him.
At (almost) 15, he is too old to play with blocks, so I will try to not throw any his way.
Blessing,
DartyPartyMom
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Life Lesson Number 38
Dickson County lost one of its finest people recently, Mr. Ferebee. He was a husband and father, grandfather, and painter by trade, but to several kids in Tennessee City, along CCC Road, and in the Hillcrest Community he was the best school bus driver EVER. Mr. Neil drove us to and from school every day on a long 2 hour route that took us on dusty, country roads. He cared about the kids on the bus, giving us a treat at Christmas and at the end of the year. There were a few fights on the bus and Mr. Neil would stop, and with his kind, gentle demeanor, he would break up the fights. Many times he would put kids on the front seat for being loud or for not sitting in their seat. He truly cared for the kids who road on his bus. Many years ago a girl from the bus had died in an accident at home. He sent flowers from "Bus 38" and met us at the funeral home with tears in his eyes. He had set her on the front seat many times, because he cared from her. He wanted her to be a good kid, a better person. He had disciplined her because he cared.
Mr. Neil got us to school on time, but there were days we did not make it home on time in the afternoons. About once or twice a month, he would pull over on a dusty, country road, turn off the bus, and give us a speech. Sometimes he would talk to us about being too noisy or too rowdy on the bus, but most of the time he would talk to us about life, about being a better person. As I said, he cared about the kids on that bus.
And the 'kids' from that bus cared about him too. So, I extend my sympathy to the family of Mr. Neil. We learned a lot of things on that bus from Mr. Neil, how to behave and how to be a better person. Riding bus 38 was a character building experience, especially with Mr. Neil and all of his speeches and life lessons.
Mr. Neil, thanks. You will be missed.
Mr. Neil got us to school on time, but there were days we did not make it home on time in the afternoons. About once or twice a month, he would pull over on a dusty, country road, turn off the bus, and give us a speech. Sometimes he would talk to us about being too noisy or too rowdy on the bus, but most of the time he would talk to us about life, about being a better person. As I said, he cared about the kids on that bus.
And the 'kids' from that bus cared about him too. So, I extend my sympathy to the family of Mr. Neil. We learned a lot of things on that bus from Mr. Neil, how to behave and how to be a better person. Riding bus 38 was a character building experience, especially with Mr. Neil and all of his speeches and life lessons.
Mr. Neil, thanks. You will be missed.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Think I'm Gonna Make It....
Crazy Morning..get the kids up...stop by the market for a sausage and biscuit...too hectic to cook a little bacon and eggs...Drop the kids off at school....Swing by the coffee shop for a cup of Joe...take a swig...."I think I'm Gonna Make It"
What is it about coffee? Long before the caffeine hits the blood stream, the coffee is doing its job, calming me down, waking me up, giving me the 'strength' to make it.
So many of us rely on that first cup, (and even a few of us need several cups) to get the motor running. But the coffee lasts only for a little while.
We have something else that can get us up and get us going, God's Word. Many times when I have anticipated a stressful day, I get out my bible, read God's Word and search for a verse to get me going. On days of surgeries, difficult holidays, or important meetings, I often chose a verse and write it on an index card and carry it with me in my pocket--pulling it out and reading it often---to remind me that God is near---that He is aware of what I am going through, and with HIS strength, I can survive.
"The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the Word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious, I have not drawn back."
His mercies are new EVERY morning. Take a "swig" of His strength every morning. You can make it with Him.
What is it about coffee? Long before the caffeine hits the blood stream, the coffee is doing its job, calming me down, waking me up, giving me the 'strength' to make it.
So many of us rely on that first cup, (and even a few of us need several cups) to get the motor running. But the coffee lasts only for a little while.
We have something else that can get us up and get us going, God's Word. Many times when I have anticipated a stressful day, I get out my bible, read God's Word and search for a verse to get me going. On days of surgeries, difficult holidays, or important meetings, I often chose a verse and write it on an index card and carry it with me in my pocket--pulling it out and reading it often---to remind me that God is near---that He is aware of what I am going through, and with HIS strength, I can survive.
"The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the Word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious, I have not drawn back."
His mercies are new EVERY morning. Take a "swig" of His strength every morning. You can make it with Him.
What's Your Sign?
I married a motorcycle, I mean I married a man who rides motorcycles. He eats, sleeps, breathes, rides, talks about and loves, and I do mean loves motorcycles. And I love him. And I encourage him to ride, because this is a great stress-reliever for him. I tease him that I could not live with him if he didn't ride occasionally. So he has a dirt bike AND a street bike. And I love to ride the street bike with him. As we ride, we pass other motorcyclists. And they have a special wave that almost every motorcyclist uses. They drop their hand toward the ground, and with their arm at a 45 degree angle they signal each other. It's the code, the motorcycle SIGN. And as I said, almost everyone does it, almost everyone. There are several secret organizations that have special handshakes and signs that only they know and use to identify each other.
So I asked myself, what's my sign? I am not in any secret organization with a special handshake or code. With Facebook I have reconnected with many people I haven't seen and talked to in many years. I ask myself what kind of person was I to these people when I knew them years ago. I hope I was nice, kind, not mean or ugly. Did I say something to them that hurt them deeply? And what is my sign now? Am I kind, considerate, gracious, compassionate now? I hope so. And I certainly try to be.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." This is what I want my sign to be.
Blessings,
DartyPartyMom
So I asked myself, what's my sign? I am not in any secret organization with a special handshake or code. With Facebook I have reconnected with many people I haven't seen and talked to in many years. I ask myself what kind of person was I to these people when I knew them years ago. I hope I was nice, kind, not mean or ugly. Did I say something to them that hurt them deeply? And what is my sign now? Am I kind, considerate, gracious, compassionate now? I hope so. And I certainly try to be.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." This is what I want my sign to be.
Blessings,
DartyPartyMom
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