The Best Time to be a Proverbs 31 Woman

 

Proverbs 31 contains the sayings of King Lemuel as told to his sons. Verse 1 says that the king's mother taught them to him. Verses 1-9 contain the advice to the sons while verses 10-31 are the epilogue, also known as "The Wife of Noble Character". Verse 10 of Proverbs 31 asks who can find a wife of noble character. 

In today's society, no matter where you live, is that an easy task? I have three sons who are yet unmarried and I have to tell you that I pray a lot for them and for their future wives, if that is even an option anymore. That said, I know that there are a lot of Proverbs 31 women in the United States, but I feel that the numbers are dwindling. Still, there is hope.

So, with that in mind, I suggest that today is an excellent time to either become a wife of noble character or persevere in that Proverbs 31 woman role knowing that our time here on earth is short. We can be a light to the world by becoming a living example of what a righteous woman looks like.

A woman of noble character is one whom her husband (or family if not married) is proud. Her husband has full confidence in her. The Bible says that she brings him good all the days of her life. That's quite a statement. I think that's also hard to do, especially as we see the signs of Christ's return nearing. Things are getting ugly out there and sometimes it's easier to lash out at others, often our husbands, when we're down and out. However, we must remember to speak kindly about our men in front of others. We want to bring them good, not harm.

The Proverbs 31 woman also works with her hands to create clothing for her family. She sells things at the market to help bring an income to the family. She is not idle and she feeds her family well with what she has. In return, her children rise up and call her blessed, as does her husband. 

This woman also helps the needy outside of her own household. Rather than sit around with friends gossiping about others, she is working hard to help those who need it most, be it with food, shelter, or clothing. I bet she talks about Jesus to them because that is WHO they need most.

So, why do I think this is the best time to be a Proverbs 31 woman? Simply put, there are needs that must be met and people whose hearts God has made tender are ready to receive the help she can provide. Families are being torn apart but they don't have to be. You can be the glue that binds your own family and you can be a light and an example to other women who need to do the same.

Grocery costs these days have gone out of sight. Do you have a garden? Are you being wise (don't let the oil in your lamp go out by being idle) and putting up all that you can grow? A whole lot of people are warning of a coming food shortage or famine. If you do have a garden, let me urge you to can, freeze, or dehydrate all that you can for your own family's needs. If you truly think you have too much (think more than six month's supply or beyond - I aim for a year's worth), consider sharing with neighbors or extended family. 

In years past, I have dry canned some stuff. This year I am dry canning probably three or four times what I usually do. Like everyone else, I love rice and beans. I pressure can most of my dry beans so that they are readily available when needed. The rice, however, I dry can so bugs or moisture don't get into the plastic bags the rice comes in. I also dry can dehydrated herbs that I grow so they will stay fresher. I also dehydrate peppers and then dry can them as well.

Right now is still a good time to stock up on essentials. I'm not talking about hoarding but rather getting a supply of necessities and food items stocked for your family's use over the next several months up to a year's worth. Christians don't seem to stress the need to stockpile like they did back in the day. I think that's pretty sad. The Mormon church has been instructing their church members to stock up a year in advance for ages. It's a prudent thing to do. Why shouldn't we be doing the same? 

Look for sales in the stores. Stock up on what you need now, a little at a time if need be. When I go to the store, I often buy two instead of one of something I need and can't make or provide for myself. For you, this could be toiletries, over the counter medicines or supplements, household products like dish soap or laundry soap, or many food items (like rice) that you can't grow yourself. 

As for clothing, I don't expect we can all make our own. However, with inflation as high as it is you could look for used clothing at the thrift shops or garage sales. With garage sales, however, I find that many people think that they can get top dollar for their used stuff. Be careful. There are discount stores out there like B2 in Michigan that sell great new clothing at slashed prices. 

As times get more difficult, those who are unprepared will come knocking on the doors of those who have done their due diligence. Will we help them? I guess it depends on whether we have the extra to spare. Your own family should come first. 

I have thought a lot about the imminent coming of the rapture of the church to Heaven. If I have preserved too much food or stocked up on goods that I really didn't need, then perhaps someone who is "left behind" will come up on our home and will use what I have stockpiled. Maybe they will go into my bedroom and find my prayer journals and Bibles (I have a few different translations). Maybe they will read them before it will be illegal to do so and maybe a light will click on in their spirits. Maybe they will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thus be saved.

Being a Proverbs 31 woman is not always an easy thing to do, but it is something in which to aspire. I hope you will begin preparing or continue toward preparing for what could very well be a difficult and trying time. 

Please be hopeful and fend off feelings of despair. God has not given us a spirit of fear but one of joy in knowing that, as things get darker and darker, the Light is coming soon.

Following 31 as a Baby Boomer

I will admit it - I am a baby boomer, just having gotten in there at the tail end. I'm getting older and all of my five children have reached age 18 or older. In many ways, getting older is not a whole lot of fun. To be fair, there are some perks. Senior discounts anyone?

What has been popping up on my radar these days has to do with baby boomers and their children, specifically finances. Consumer's Reports has published an interesting article concerning the "gifts" many parents have given their grown children. The majority of these gifts are in the form of cash. The magazine calls this an epidemic.

I know that oftentimes seniors are split between wanting to help their children and wanting them to "just grow up". This is a touchy subject for the many boomers who find themselves in the situation of giving to adult kids who keep holding out their hands for more.

My question is, would you consider it loving to continue to give and give until you have nothing left to give - then find yourself in the position of being penniless and, maybe, find yourself with no resources to sustain you in your retirement? From all that I've read, that seems to be where many boomers are heading or have actually gone in the United States today. And that's sad because, from all people tell me, Social Security isn't all that secure, or lucrative.

Forbes Magazine has also published an article on this "epidemic". The author states that giving to adult kids who fully able to work and earn their own incomes is "unhealthy". She states, "The unhealthy result of too much leads to dependency and to your own possible financial destruction in your later years." 

I am a sucker for the elderly. Put me in a room full of small children and I immediately feel my anxiety rise. I love children, I really do. But I seem to be more at ease with the elderly. Perhaps it's because I know I'm reaching that place sooner than later. Maybe I just love to hear their stories (the very old can tell you things about which you could never imagine!) Whatever the reason, they have a special place in my heart. And my heart breaks for those who have given to their children out of love just to find that their life savings is now depleted. 

Don't even get me started on the tragedy that has befallen so many American veterans who gave and gave, and now find themselves homeless and alone.

My question is, who will step in and take care of these old people who gave so much? Will it be the grown kids who "borrowed" from Mom and Dad? Will it be the Americans who owe their very lives to those homeless vets? 

And what if it happens to me?

As my husband and I make plans for our future retirement years, we talk about this. Our kids are no different than anyone else's. They are not perfect. We are taking steps to provide a home business that will supplement Social Security. We are also taking steps to make sure that our children don't fall into the trap of dependency upon aging parents. And if that means that our kids fall on their faces, it will also mean that they have learned something.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is someone who I think works with her husband to ensure that the children are mature and able to survive this harsh world by relying upon God and not on aging parents. 

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26 (NIV)

I don't think it's ever too early to teach financial responsibility and the value of hard work to our children. Along with that, maybe we need to remind those children of the fifth Commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." (KJV)

Book Review - Rufus and Ryan Board Books by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! and Rufus and Ryan Say their Prayers are written by Kathleen Long Bostrom and are illustrated by Rebecca Thornburgh. They are published by CandyCane Press.

I had the most fun reading both of the above board books. Here's why:

They are written for children ages 2-5 and are printed on sturdy board stock. They are colorfully illustrated stories that explain how praying and church-going works. Ryan is, of course, the little boy through whose eyes the stories are told. Rufus is the sock monkey.

Rufus and Ryan Say their Prayers will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. They thoughtfully bring their thanks and petitions to God in a reverent manner. This book is a great tool in which to bring children into a "comfort zone" with prayer. After all, prayer is simply dialoging with our Father in Heaven.

Let's admit it - church attendance has gone down in the last 20 or 30 years, according to Familyfacts.org. It's important to teach our youngsters the value of going to church - and how to behave while in church. Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! does a wonderful job of bringing the point down to a child's eye level.

I'll close this review with "Top Ten Tips for Introducing your Child to Worship", inspired by inspired by Rufus and Ryan Go to Church.

1. Attend a child-friendly church.
A church that invites children to attend worship, that has a children's time during worship or a service in which children are included, will not mind the noise and commotion that comes with having young children in worship.

2. Bring your child to church on a day other than Sunday morning.
Call the church office and make an appointment with a pastor, Christian education director, or church school teacher. Go on a tour of the church facility, and locate the Sunday school rooms and bathrooms as well as the sanctuary. Let your child explore the sanctuary, see how it feels to sit in the pew, and leaf through the Bibles and hymnbooks. Look behind the pulpit, Communion table, and baptismal font, and explain the use of these.

3. Take home a worship bulletin and go through the service at home.
Show your child that there are times to sit, to stand (and in some places, to kneel), to sing, to pray, and to listen. If the Lord's Prayer is used, write down the words and let your child practice at home. Prepare offering envelopes and let your child put money in the envelope, and explain why the offering is important.

4. Play "Let's go to church" at home.
Practicing the worship service at home will help your child feel more comfortable with what happens in worship.

5. Read the Bible and pray at home.
Purchase an age-appropriate Bible for your child and read the stories. Let your child handle the Bible and encourage questions. You can explain that the Bible is where we learn God's story, and how we are part of that story. If you let prayer be a part of your everyday life, not just something you do at church, your child will understand its importance.

6. Sit near an aisle or in a place where you can make an exit if needed.
If your child needs to go to the bathroom, or is feeling overly stimulated or having a disruptive day, don't be embarrassed. Walk your child out of the sanctuary until she can work off a little energy, and then come back in. This is much easier if you don't have to crawl across a row of other people in the pew!

7. Be prepared with a worship notebook or bag.
Many churches provide materials for children to use during worship, but if not, bring your own supplies. Colored pencils can be used to mark the parts of worship in the bulletin as you go through them one by one. Get to church a few minutes in advance and use a bookmark to mark the hymns that will be sung that day.  Have some coloring pages from a Bible coloring book for your child to color, or some blank pages for doodling. This is not disrespectful, and can help your child listen more attentively. Have the words of the Lord's Prayer printed on a page for the child to follow, if he or she is of reading age. let your child draw a picture of the anthem or hymns being sung, or the sermon, and give this to the choir director or pastor afterwards.

8. Teach basic church etiquette.
Speak to people before and after worship, and teach your child how to shake hands and greet others. If your child is shy, don't force it, but practice at home and let your child see you greeting others. Let the child put the hymnbook and Bible away after use, and be sure to take your bulletin with you, rather than leaving it in the pew. Meeting other people and taking care of the church facility helps a child feel that "This is my church!"

9. Get to know the pastor.
Pastors of child-friendly churches love to get to know the children of the church. Introduce your child to the pastor after worship, and participate in other church activities so that the pastor becomes a friend and not a scary adult.

10. Don't give up!
It may take awhile for your child to become comfortable in worship, and to learn how to sit quietly. The best way for this to happen is to attend worship on a regular basis. There may be days when it doesn't go well, but don't let this stop you from coming the following week. Practice makes perfect!

*I received copies of the above books in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Book Review - She's Twelve going on Twenty:Nurturing your Daughter Through the Tween Years by Kim Camp

She's Twelve going on Twenty: Nurturing your Daughter Through the Tween Years is written by Kim Camp and is published by Thomas Nelson.

I have a daughter who is just turning twelve next month. To say that she is "going on twenty" is an understatement. She wants to dress and act like she's much older. I had four boys before this one and only daughter was born. Believe me when I tell you that raising boys is not a bit like raising girls. Where does a mom go to get advice? Kim Camp of course!

When I first got She's Twelve going on Twenty: Nurturing your Daughter Through the Tween Years, I expected some good, solid Christian advice from one mom to another. I am not disappointed. Kim Camp is an engaging author who definitely writes what she knows. And she knows kids.

At the end of each chapter are going further type exercises for moms to do with their daughters. I plan on doing quite a bit of them. An example? At the end of chapter seven is this, "Practice giving guidance with questions rather than unsolicited answers." I could use some work in that department.

I have been reading this book during my devotional time, after reading my Bible and journaling my prayers. I have thoroughly enjoyed this bit of wisdom. Parenting daughters is hard stuff. We don't have to go it alone. Thank goodness.

*I received a copy of She's Twelve going on Twenty: Nurturing your Daughter Through the Tween Years in exchange for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are my own.*

Homemaking Made Easy: Learning what your Mother Didn't Teach You

I was shocked - sort of - when my son told me that his girlfriend didn't know how to sew a button on his shirt. He was desperate. When desperate, bring it to Mama.

Josh's girlfriend is not alone in the "I don't know how" department of the whole thing we call Homemaking. My generation was especially lacking when it came to passing down the skills that future wives and mothers would need (unless they would become ultra-rich and could hire others to do the "dirty work") to successfully keep a home running smoothly. It's not that we didn't know how to sew, clean and cook ourselves, but rather that many of us became working mothers and wives. We were so busy working long, hard hours that we simply had no time left in the day to teach our daughters what our mothers taught us.

Then there's the whole thing of "women's liberation". We no longer wanted to be called housewives - such a derogatory term to so many women. We could work like a man and act like a man. The only problem is, we couldn't keep a home like a woman. And our kids have picked up on that.

Now, realize that I'm speaking of American society in general. Many, many women teach their girls the old fashioned skills of sewing, cooking and cleaning. I am one of them. I am concerned, however, for the countless others who have not placed a priority on homemaking skills. So many young women I encounter tell me they don't know how to fry an egg. They don't know what the term "blanch" means (as it pertains to cooking and and preserving food). They have no idea how to thread a needle much less sew a hem or a seam.

They are lost but not without hope.

If you are one of those girls who would love to learn to sew, knit, crochet, can or freeze produce (might you try your hand at gardening?), a simple search on the internet can bring up a ton of help. I have found videos, for instance, that teach knitting the old fashioned way: by watching someone else do it. Try this one.



Public libraries are full of books and magazines that teach gardening skills. Others show you how to use a pressure canner to safely put up your harvest. Let us not forget the numerous cookbooks and cooking magazines available. Or maybe you like to watch TV. The FOOD channel is priceless.

No longer do we have an excuse that "my mother never taught me." We can self-teach just about anything if we have the drive to do so.

And let us not forget that we older women who "have been there and done that" are able to mentor younger gals in homemaking skills. Many a gal has been brought to the Lord through mentoring. Perhaps it is something you would like to pray about.

Book Review: Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst

Unglued Devotional is written by Lysa Terkeurst and is published by Zondervan.

If you haven't heard of Lysa Terkeurst, you're among the few. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of 15 books, including Unglued - the book of which the devotional is a companion. Lisa is a popular speaker and a bestselling author, but she is also a real wife and mom who knows what it's like to love Jesus yet still become unglued in the day to day grind of life here on earth.

I am still using the devotional each morning as part of my own alone time with God, but I have read enough to tell you how these short devotions are impacting me.

I can RELATE to so much of the daily scenarios about which Lysa writes. I, too, live with a house of family - including animals. I find that I wake up in the morning thinking that this could be a wonderful day of blessings and then I blow up when someone spills something on the floor. The question is not about what we can do to prevent life from happening, but rather how are we going to REACT or RESPOND  to it?

Lysa does a wonderful job of keeping each day's message short, to the point, yet powerfully related. Scripture is used in each devotion, as well as the "thought for the day".

We all want to be a Proverbs 31 Woman, but we often put her on a pedestal that's so far over our heads that she's horribly hard to reach. Don't do that. Grab a copy of the Unglued Devotional, spend a few minutes with it each day, and pray that the grace of God causes you to grow into the Proverbs 31 Woman He wants you to be.

*I received a copy of Unglued Devotional in exchange for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are my own.*

Saturday Scripture Speaks

“Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. Ezekiel 18:19-20 (NIV)

This has been a difficult passage for me to digest - not because the message is quite complicated. It's not. It's because I, as a mother of five, have put so much of my heart and soul into my children that I cannot comprehend that their own choices (whether to choose Christ and live for Him or not) is out of my hands and in the hands of the Holy Spirit.

As Godly parents, we spend many years teaching our children the Word of God. We take them to church and Sunday school. We take them to Wednesday evening programs (Caravan, Pioneer Clubs, etc.) in the hopes and strong belief that they will be Christians serving the Lord when they mature. Perhaps they'll even become missionaries or preachers! 

Then they grow up and one or two of them slip away from what we've taught them. Maybe they haven't even left the faith but are dangling their toes into the worldly waters. Maybe they never embraced Jesus Christ to start with. 

Somehow, some way, it has to be our faults. We did something wrong. Maybe we didn't live out our Christianity as we are supposed to.

Fellow parents and mothers in particular: Some kids go about things the hard way. Some kids will never stray and will be those model Christians from the get-go. Others will backslide to come back later as more mature believers who will change the world with their strong testimonies of deliverance. And some will never believe.

It's their choice, not ours. Our job is to raise them with the knowledge and love of Christ. We are to share with them and teach them in love. And when they rebel, our job is to love them but never enable them in their sins. When we administer that horrifying "tough love", we do so for their good. They'll never see God for who He is unless we get out of the way and allow them to see His face. If we're blocking the light with our interference (because we're afraid to let go and watch them get hurt), we will then take the blame - as I believe the Bible teaches.

Parents, let me encourage you to pray daily for your children, even before any problems arise. Pray for their future spouses as well. Move into action when the Spirit of God instructs you to. And love those children without turning into jelly when they need you to be strong.

Thirty Days of Thankfulness - Day 6

Tonight I am thankful for my mother. Throughout the years she has been in my corner, rooting for me when I didn't root for myself. I do not live close enough to visit her in person a whole lot, but I really do enjoy the phone conversations we have. I think she enjoys them too. Mothers are important people and I am thankful that mine is still around to bring me joy.

Beginner's Bible App for iPad - So Cool!

Do you have children or grandchildren - and an Apple iPad to boot? If you do, you might really want to check out the Beginner's Bible app. When my children were little, we got them the Beginner's Bible. We read it to them all of the time. They loved reading it with us, especially at bedtime.

We didn't have all of the bells and whistles of computers and iPads like many folks do today. Wow! How far technology has come in just a (cough) few short years.

This app is so cool. The kids can color, listen to stories, hear music, play games, and so much more. With 94 Bible stories, your children will never get bored.

You can download your first story pack (6 stories with games, coloring pages, etc.) for free here. The iPad app for the Beginner's Bible is recommended for ages 2-6.

I would be remiss if I didn't say how important I feel the Bible is - and sharing it with our children should be on the top of our priority lists. In it, God said that fathers (and mothers) are to teach the Word of God to their children, telling them the stories of how God saved His people over and over again. Start teaching them early. They are little sponges who soak it all in. And if you can make it ever more the fun, do so.

Saturday Scripture Speaks

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV)

Money and the handling of it is an often talked about topic. We need money to survive in today's world. In Biblical times, people needed it too. The issue is not whether or not we really need currency but, rather, how do we obtain enough to meet our needs? And do we really want "just enough" or more than enough? Why do we want to have a lot of money? I am not lying when I say that I want to build wealth - but my reasons for doing so are honarable (I think). I desperately want to have financial peace AND be free to help others in need. As it stands now, we don't have anything to offer charities or hurting people other than our weekly tithe to the church. That's sad.

I think women have a responsibility to work hard and "earn" for the good of the family. Don't give up on this blog post yet! I'm definitely NOT saying that a wife should seek a job out of the home, though some have done that and it is not unBiblical to do so. What I AM saying is that laziness in the area of finance is bad. As the above Proverb illustrates, failing to work hard to provide for the individual and the family results in disaster.

You and your husband (if you are married) should absolutely make out a budget and firmly resolve to stick to it. Personally speaking, my husband and I are working up a budget plan and excpect to get ourselves out of all debt except for our mortgage within two years.

One way for wives and moms to contribute to the family's financial well-being is the obvious: Earn an income. Some women choose to work away from home full-time or part-time. If that is your choice, do not allow other moms make you feel guilty. On the flip side, you should never - I mean never - make another woman feel guilty because she chooses to stay at home to raise her children. I have been there and felt tremendous pain because other moms said things like, "Haven't you EVER worked before?" Well, duh, I worked harder than a lot of moms for many years as I raised five children, homeschooled all of them, and worked as a freelance writer (and, by the way, I AM published - and for real money too).

Another way women contribute to their family's finances is to do as I did - work from home doing whatever you can to earn extra moola. In the past, I have taken countless internet surveys to earn cash, Amazon.com gift cards, and other perks. They aren't big money makers, but they do add up. I have earned money with this blog by writing sponsored posts (which I only agree to do if the advertiser's product is relevant to my blog). If you go this route, you should only advertise that which does not conflict with your own personal belief system. In my case, that belief system is Christianity. I have been faithful to never accept advertising for something that caused me to cringe as a believer in Christ.

The most important way for the Proverbs 31 Woman to earn money is not really to earn it at all. She should be a great saver - don't spend needlessly. Use coupons as much as you can at the grocery store, but don't buy something you never would normally buy simply because you have, say, a coupon for $0.35 off an expensive brand of toothpaste. If that expensive brand is priced at $3.99, have you saved enough to make it worth it when you normally pay only $1.00 for that tube of Pepsodent? Wisdom is needed to go at couponing seriously. Some folks have gone to couponing classes or seminars. They recommend the classes highly.

Go to garage sales and auctions to find great deals. Dave Ramsey, in his Financial Peace seminars, says you should always bargain at garage sales and estate sales. As for auctions, be careful you don't overbid your firm "price." Again - wisdom. Utilize thrift stores like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Oftentimes these stores will have half-price sales. Hunt out bargains as if you were a bloodhound.

One of the best ways to save or make money is to have a garden. Raise your own organic fruits and vegetables. Preserve them for winter use by canning, freezing, and dehydrating. The ant stores up for winter and so should you! Also, if you have far more produce than your family can possibly use, consider giving some away to the poor in your community. You can also make cash by selling it at your local farmer's market. A word of caution: Farmer's markets expect you to sell only that which is organic and that you have grown yourself. Follow the rules and you'll be surprised at how much cash you can earn in one summer. Then, if possible, place that money in a savings account - possibly for Christmas or birthday gifts? Perhaps you should just keep it for emergencies.

Keeping to the food theme, making a menu plan each week as well as a shopping list before visiting the grocery store can keep you from making unwise decisions later. A well-organized mom is a thrifty mom. You'd be surprised how much money you save when you're not browsing the stores for whatever sounds good at the time. Store circulars or websites are invaluable in making grocery lists. Match up sales with the coupons you have on hand.

Use Redbox or another rental kiosk for video rentals. Libraries are worth their weight in gold for borrowing books, movies, and books on cd or cassette. Go to the library when you need to use the internet if having internet in your home is not in your current budget. Trade books at Paperback Swap. If you have a blog, you can do book reviews for many publishers via Booksneeze, Net Galley, etc. Do a search for "book reviews for free books online. Many of them offer e-reader books as well as print copies. Amazon.com offers free Kindle downloads every now and then. Insprired Reads alerts people to Christian ones as they become available.

Each woman should prayerfully consider her role in area of family finances. Lift your head high with a smile on your face as you really understand your worth in the circle of loved ones we call family.

Book Review and a Giveaway - MOMumental by Jennifer Grant

**This giveaway is now closed.**

I read a phenomenal book about motherhood last week. MOMumental by Jennifer Grant (Worthy Publishing) is one of those honest looks at parenting. This is not a lecture book. This is not a serious manual for new moms. What this book encompasses is a realistic look at mothering.

Jennifer Grant is a mother of four children - two boys and two girls. In this book, she takes a sentimental look back at the time when her children were small and she was taking motherhood seriously - perhaps too seriously. She also takes a peek into the future and, in doing so, realizes that raising children is a "messy art" and that she'll never do it perfectly. She will, however, have done it well.

There is hope for all of the moms out there who feel that they aren't doing a tidy job of making sure  their kids are right with the world. I laughed, cried, and cheered with Jennifer as she eloquently told her story of her family. And there you have it. While all of us moms will resonate with this particular mom, we won't have the same story. We're all different and we're raising different kids. At the same time, we're all in this "messy art of raising a family" together. We need to encourage each other with a pat on the back or a shoulder on which to cry. As Jennifer Grant says, "I am grateful for my own happy, idiosyncratic, and imperfect family and the culture we are creating together. I'm doing my best to raise strong children, not broken adults. I wish all of this for you too."

**GIVEAWAY**

I'm giving away one copy of MOMumental to a commenter on this blog. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment telling me something about your family, be they children, dogs, cats, whatever. I'll randomly choose a winner on May 21 and mail out the book soon after. This contest is open to United States residents only.

When Mom Gets Sick

I hate to say it. I had been bragging to my family about my good health since changing my eating pattern. When I let my ego get the best of me, I often have to brace for the fall. That's what happened to me these last couple of weeks.

I have some allergies as well as quite a bit of sinus headaches. It should have come as no surprise when my ear stopped up and I began to hear a loud buzzing noise. I have been hearing that loud buzzing noise for more than two weeks. It never stops. After taking an antihistamine with a decongestant for 9 days, I'm sad to say that the buzzing just goes on and on, along with the clouded feeling in the ear. Today the doctor gave me different meds to try. He says this is Plan A and Plan B combined. If taking a steroid and a nasal spray (with antibiotics for backup if I get considerably worse over the weekend) doesn't work, we go to Plan C. I don't want to think about a Plan C.

Now, here's what happens when Mom has a constant, nagging buzzing going on in her head: she can barely function throughout the day. She feels as if she's going to go crazy. In other words, she doesn't do her housework.

There you have it. I have not been doing the dishes regularly. I have not made a menu plan for this week. I have not vacuumed and I have not done very much laundry. All I want to do when I get home from work is go to my bed and lie down - the ear doesn't buzz so loudly and feels better when I'm lying down.

There is nothing wrong with asking your children and your husband to pitch in and help when you're down. It's not child labor or mistreating your hubby. It's called cooperation. It'll be my turn soon enough and then I'll treat everyone like kings (and queen).

What Changed Their Minds? "180" Movie

What do you think about the Holocaust? This film (caution to those with young children: it contains some graphic images) can get you thinking - and hopefully, talking.

Another Vacation Spot - Kissimmee

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a fan of the great outdoors, especially when it comes to warm spots like Florida. In Kissimmee, I can find all of the warmth and outdoor fun that I expect to find in the south. Our family moved to Florida for a year a while back while my husband took college classes, and I loved the huge trees, many of the animals (I hate snakes), and the warm winters. A person can do some serious hiking, and I did.

So it's not surprising that Kissimmee is also on my list of places to visit in the coming year or two. My plan is to do some hiking and then hop aboard a swamp buggy to explore swampy places that I couldn't get to by foot. Considering that the 4700 acre nature preserve, Florida Forever, is there, I'll be happy.

My husband and children enjoy fishing so they could do some of that on one of the Chain of Lakes. Large mouth bass are said to be plentiful there. As for me, I will not be found in a boat. I will be shopping or enjoying quiet time in a motel room. I'm okay with mall shopping, and there are plenty of them in the area, but my real enjoyment is found when browsing specialty shops. That is where you find the coolest items unique to the area.

I can't talk about Kissimmee without mentioning Disney World because it's close by. The only person in our family who has ever been there is my husband, and that was many moons ago - before I had ever met him. I would like to go just to say that I've been there and did that, but my children want to go to ride the roller coasters. My daughter wants to see Cinderella.

Is this a do-able vacation or is it just me dreaming? I think it'll happen sometime sooner than I had ever thought possible. We are rapidly paying down debt in order to free ourselves from the long arm of the creditors. God wants us to be free of the chains that bind us - that refers to sin but it also applies to financial messes. I can't enjoy a wonderful vacation like the one described above when I'm loaded with so much debt that I can't see out my back door.

Doing fun things together as a family is important. My children are growing up and leaving us to do their own things. I want to enjoy that time together, investing in relationships, while we still can. Family vacations, times to get away from the routine, are some of the best tools for doing that.

Learning to Earn

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ashworth College. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you noticed a lot of ads and other information coming your way, telling you that you should look into going back to school? I have. I've also given it quite a bit of consideration. Here's why:

I took a lot of years away from my career in order to raise my family. Being a full-time wife and mother is probably one of the hardest jobs there is and there have been many times that I wanted to quit. But you can't quit that job as easily as you can others. I have learned to do my "job" and do it to the best of my abilities.

Now, however, I find that my youngest child is entering the 4th grade this fall. I wonder, would this be a good time to go back to school to finish my degree? You see, I quit college the first time around and always regretted that decision. With my business degree I could perhaps get a decent job making decent money.

But.....I need to find a way to earn my degree without having to commute - because we only have one car. The solution? An Online degree. Distance learning is a good solution for many stay-at-home moms and even those who work full-time or part-time jobs because they can earn their degrees online, avoiding that move to a college campus.

Ashworth College is one of the accredited schools that offer online degrees for many different majors, including a bachelor's in business administration. If you're like me, you don't want to graduate with a ton of student debt. They can help you earn that degree without the debt; in fact, they guarantee it.

If you're thinking about becoming a student once again, you'll want to check it out.

Thankful Thursday - May 6

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand this week.

I spent the last week back in Indiana with my family. It was a time to try to relax and forget about some of the worries and stress that I face here at home. Did I forget all about them? NO.

As much as I kid around and say that I'm going to run away, I have to admit that, like Jonah, I cannot run away from my troubles. However, as a believer in Jesus, I know that He is with me through those troubles. He has a specific job for me to do in this life and He doesn't ask me to go through it alone. As Jonah did not preach to Ninevah alone (for God was with him - he was a prophet), I am confident that Christ has enabled me and takes my hand as I do His business.

How about you? What struggles are you going through today that seem overwhelming? Do you feel alone? If so, remember that God never asks us to do something that we cannot do. When times get tough, He's there with us, holding our hands and often carrying us in His powerful hands.

Here are a couple of pictures from the recent trip back home. This is Evan (son #3) hanging upside down via exercise equipment.

My daughter at Josh's college campus. We were waiting for him to take his last final exam before heading the rest of the way south. He's graduating with a 3.5 average. Seventeen weeks of police academy (same campus) starts in early July.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to see my family. Been missing them. Also, I'm thankful for my son's college training. I think he's done well.

Live Webcast for Parents of Adult Children

*I am not being paid for this post - it is something in which I'm highly interested.*

I am watching, with increasing awe, the number of parents who are absolutely aching because of their adult children  who are "bleeding them dry."

Biblically, children are to grow up in the nurture and guidance of their parents. Then, as the parents age (and the children age too), those grown children "repay" their parents by honoring them and caring for their needs.

 We've lost much of that, do you not agree? Everywhere there are children who range anywhere from their twenties to even forty, fifty, or sixty- who refuse to grow up and take responsibility for their lives. They go back to their parents and try to be babies again, driving their poor parents to near insanity.

Setting Boundaries (Alison Botke) is offering a free webcast to parents and grandparents who want to get their lives back. They say, "Join us for answers to these questions and more. If you are a parent who keeps trying to pick up the pieces of your adult child's out-of-control life, this FREE Informational Webcast is for you. You are not alone in your struggles. The SANITY Support Group Network is an emerging network of parents who have discovered the freedom that is possible when you begin to set healthy boundaries with your adult children."

This webcast takes place on Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. (CST) You can register now and/or get more information if interested. 

Tackle it Tuesday - Mixed Bag

It's been a while since I've posted a Tackle it Tuesday; I HAVE been busy, just not been reporting my doings faithfully!

This week I found I've accomplished several "projects" that I've had on my to-do list::

• I completed the NaNoWriMo challenge (50,000 words of a novel in the month of November) on November 29 - one day shy of the deadline. Tickle me pink for that one! I still have another chapter or so to go before I can say I've completed my first draft, but I am so much further ahead by taking this literary challenge than I've ever been in the past.
• The other project I've been working on is a two tiered skirt for my daughter's Christmas present. I made the skirt (without a pattern -gasp!) in the time space of just about 1 1/2 hours. That's not bad for a person who hates to sew and does a terrible job doing it.

To give instructions or explain the making of a novel would take way too much space, so I'll tell you abut the skirt :)

The first thing I did was measure Amanda around the waist. I cut two pieces of fabric double the size of her waist. I used solid yellow for the top part and a pink gingham for the bottom part. I made these two pieces the same length and checked to see that the skirt, once taken up for the elastic waistband and a hem at the bottom, would be the correct length. For my daughter, that is just below the knee.

I sewed the two pieces together, putting a couple of crocheted butterfly pieces on the front. Then I sewed a 1/4 inch hem around the bottom. I folded over the waist big enough for the waistband, leaving an opening to thread the elastic (cut to the size of Amanda's waist). After threading the elastic in (using a safety pin at the end to move the elastic through), I sewed the two ends of elastic together, going back and forth several times to make sure it didn't come apart. Then I closed up the opening.

 Then I ironed the seams flat and ironed the piece over.

Voila! A good old fashioned skirt.

Sometimes Miracles Hide - Save a Life

Last Sunday some people who volunteer at New Life Pregnancy Center spoke at church. I am always amazed at how God works through the everyday person to bring others to Him. Every year about this time, the center asks people to fill plastic baby bottles with their spare change. That money is what keeps the pregnancy center open.

Listening to the testimonies of two single moms who went to New Life and found hope this year, I was reminded of this song by Bruce Carroll. The two moms have normal, healthy babies. Not everyone does. But every person is created in the image of God - we can never forget that.

We aren't to take away a life, no matter if that life is inconvenient or "imperfect."

To quote this song, "Sometimes miracles hide."



Every time I speak about pro-life issues (I am, unashamedly, pro-life), I get hateful comments from those who are on the other side of the fence. For this reason, I am disabling comments on this post. I'm too tired to "take it on the cuff" this week.

Do I Look Needy?

**Before you read this, please understand that I am not speaking about people I know personally. I am not judging those who receive welfare payments or food stamps either. This post is about my frustrations with a whole society that rewards poor behavior and frowns upon those who actually try to earn their own way in this temporary and fallen world. Increasingly, we are becoming a society that punishes the hard workers by forcing them to provide for those who refuse to so much as look for a job. I do realize that many are out of work honestly and try very hard to do what they can to provide for their families. I applaud those folks for their efforts and my prayer is that God continue to supply their every need.**

A couple of days ago I went to town hoping to get to some really good garage sales because my younger children have precious little to wear this fall and winter. With finances at a low and my husband's paycheck soon to take a huge cut (always does at this time and stays that way until summer), I searched high and low for clothing at decent prices. All I found was A. Junk or B. Clothing in the wrong sizes or too expensive.

I had a bright idea - go to the clothing exchange where you can get clothes for free.

When I got there I had to wait for it to open but I thought, "I can wait. I really need to get the kids some clothes." So I waited about 1/2 hour.

While waiting I watched people go to the door and sit on the steps. Everyone was there to get clothes except for one woman. She owns a resale shop and was there only to speak to the workers for a moment. I talked to her for some time.

The other people, mainly women, wore trashy, dirty clothes and talked with filthy speech between huge drags on cigarettes.

I was so glad when the doors finally opened and I could go inside. Once in the building I had to step around bag after bag of clothing yet to be put out for the public. The building was PACKED with clothes and no room to put it all.

An older woman who was working there took me aside the moment I was completely inside. She asked, "Are you new here?"

"I've been here one other time," I replied.

"Well, this place is only for those who need clothes, not for those who have jobs!" she practically spit at me. She glared at me as if I were evil.

I was so flustered I didn't know what to say. Finally, I turned to my son, Evan, and muttered as we left the place, "I don't have a job but, oh well."

I left with my dignity intact.

This is a place for anyone who is having a struggle buying new clothes to be able to at least put something on their children's backs. You don't have to prove your income or anything like that. Without disclosing our personal finances I will say that for our family size, we are well below the national guidelines for poverty.

Why did this woman treat me as she did?

I was dressed in nice clothing which, by the way, I spent precious little on. The jeans cost me $2 at Project Help in Indiana. The shirt was free from a friend. The shoes were free. Evan was dressed in clothing that he purchased with money he had saved for a year. They were Wal-Mart mark-downs. We were neat and clean and did not reek of dirt and cigarettes. We were actually discriminated against because we take care of ourselves and put our best feet forward.

In a case such as this, I think it is best that we keep our dignity. I am reminded of the apostle Paul who stated in 1 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV), "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me.I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast."

Paul was talking about his rights as a messenger of the Gospel. He should have been earning his living by preaching, but he chose to make tents as his living all the while preaching. He didn't want to hear tongues wag as to how he earned money.

Sometimes it's best not to beg for material things. I don't think it's ever good to become dependent on someone else for things.

I will continue to earn money as I can and purchase school books and clothing with my earnings as I always do. God will provide - He always has and He always will. And I will continue to look my best when I'm out in public.

I'm certain the Proverbs 31 Woman did not go out to the marketplace in her pajama bottoms and smoking expensive tobacco products while she begged for free clothes.