Mom sayings

My book group recently read a new best-seller called Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst.  It's about understanding the raw emotions when we get "out of control" in order to make wise choices.  As I read this book, I thought about my words and thoughts that I use often when communicating with the family.  As a mom, I'm telling Iris many things that I think are teaching and for her own good.  So,"Why don't I take my own advice?"  Here are a few of my mom phrases:

Do one thing at a time.
I admit to having taken pride in being a multi-tasker.  I've got four or five books that I'm "reading"(really??).  I can grade papers, snack and watch a video at the same time (...NOT!).  I can organize papers and/or projects for four different work committees (I'm exhausted!).   What happens is that I lose track of tasks and/or take too long to complete them.  That results in frustration or stress.  These habits are not anything to be proud of. I'd much rather boast in the Lord.  I truly need to keep Christ and his Holy Spirit to direct me in each moment of my day BEFORE I get lost in the swirl of busyness.

Take small bites.
I've become acutely aware of my own poor eating habits because I see Iris doing the same.  One of them is stuffing her mouth with too much, and how she says she's hungry as soon as she sees something that she considers yummy (a treat!).  I believe that if I do what I say, I wouldn't be craving so much nor overeating.  Even as to non-food things, I really need to break tasks down when I think I've got too much to do. Every step can be doable the more I trust in Jesus.  Furthermore, I find that as I attempt to limit myself to one thing that is a true priority in my life (e.g. praying, doing a devotional with Iris), then God's grace gives me enough time, energy and purpose of mind to complete what HE knows I need to finish.  The rest I can "leave on my plate" until later.

It's okay to fall down...sometimes.
Iris is so scared of falling because she doesn't want scrapes, bruises or any kind of pain.  None of us seek this, but I see how not being afraid to fall allows us to endure and continue to enjoy the life and work we have.  If I stall or cry too much, I don't get anywhere.  Also, others may not want to be around us because we're too sissy or wimpy.  As I consider my excuses for doing God's will, I think I'm being like Iris in not wanting to fall or fail because it could really her me, or at least my ego.

Are you still hungry?
Take and use what you have before getting more.  I consider as I want that late evening cookie with hot cocoa how much I'm eating because of other reasons that have nothing to do with my hunger.  Stress, nervousness, procrastination or depression are all possible reasons that I think I need to eat.  I just catch myself wondering, "Would I hunger this much for knowing God better and becoming a true disciple of Christ?"  If it's not that, is food really more important?  There's also the guilt that could set in about how there is real starvation and chronic hunger among people groups around the world.  How can I be more mindful of them and put down that cookie...NOW!?

You need to eat real food first.
This has to do with the order of different foods my family eats.  I want Iris to eat her nutritious food first because that will make her stronger.  So, why do I eat calories that does my physical body no good?  In fact, more and more I believe the all things processed should be banned from not only my diet, but my household.  Sugar would be a good place to start, but that will be tough to convince my dear husband of.  The principle is still very important.  Consume, read, and meditate on the truth first and foremost.  For me, that points to delight in the Lord because He delights in me (and you).  Pray first.  Meditate on God's Word (the Bible).  Put Jesus as the first appointment of each day.  That is the more satisfying thing to do because God sustains us both spirit, body and mind.  Trust Him!

Put away your things before doing the next thing.
If you're done with one toy, put it away.  I would love that Iris were more tidy about her things in her room.  Yet, I look at the various piles of papers, bags of folders, and small stacks of books that I keep.  Yikes!  What kind of example am I?  I then have to ask, "Do I really need these things now?  Later?  Ever??  So, I would ask God to help me put away those things in my life that are unnecessary and worse, keeps me from knowing or trusting Jesus with my life.  Instead, I want to believe the He will provide all because he promises that He knows what I need even before I speak it.  Thank you, Jesus!

These are just some of the repeated phrases that I currently catch myself saying to Iris.  I'm sure more will come up as I learn and yearn to teach her to live a godly and Christ-filled life.  The book, Unglued, talks about "imperfect progress".  That gives me hope.  Thank God!  As my family, relative or friends, thanks for your prayers.

~Cindy

All..He has made was good

Last Friday, Daddy packed up sandwiches and water to go to a special place where thousands of birds (swifts) fly around sunset to enter and roost in one chimney at a private high school.  As we anticipated the birds coming, I marveled at the vibrant nature around-trees, grass, river, sky.  The sunset was beautiful and the temperature was cool.  See for yourself!

 

  The birds came, swirled around for nearly half an hour before they gradually went into the chimney for the night.  This is a phenomenon that happens annually during a week or so during the month of September as the season changes to fall.  What a wondrous gift to behold!  Iris enjoyed petting a couple of dogs and building a "house" with sticks, rocks and leaves as we watched the birds flying around.  Simple pleasures at its best!

Sunday School has started, as well as Iris' first year in AWANA.  She is Cubbie now!  This means learning about God's world and memorizing scripture.  This week's coincided with her lessons at church on Genesis.   Her verses so far were 1 John 4:10, Romans 2:23, and Romans 5:8.  This week it is from Genesis 1:31- "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."  It is important to remember how spectacular God is because of his power over Creation, including us.  From the beginning, people were to walk with God and care for His creation, always remembering WHO brings life; that is God.  Watching the swifts swirl around, I marveled at the beauty in diversity, as I praised the Maker.  Isn't He great?!!

August is Back-to-School

With vacation behind us, we were all back to work or back-to-school mode in early August.  What this meant for Iris was a big change- new school where the teachers speak in French and English.  A new charter school was what we (mommy and daddy) decided would be the elementary school for Iris.  This is the first year of the opening, as well as the first year that schools around the state offered a "first year Kindergarten" or "Kinder Academy" for children not yet 5 years old on September 1st.  Iris won't be five for another two months, so that meant she could attend another year of preschool or start in this pre-K grade.

First Day of school

The school has been "fantastique" so far.  We were more nervous than Iris was.  It meant longer days, five days a week (well, one day is minimum day), wearing (unofficial) school uniforms, meeting new class of 20 students, and hearing French from her teacher every day.  I'm excited for her to be learning another language, although people question, "Why French?"  My answer:  Pourquoi pas?  I'm also eager to learn with her, since I haven't tried to study French in nearly 30 years!  We had our first "back-to-school" night, so we could hear more about her school routine and year plan for study.  Only a couple of "bumps":  Iris was told that her mommy packs too much food for the day.  A classmate scratched her face for no apparent reason.  I just hope she's not scarred.


Work for Dad and Mom have been busy, too.  Within six weeks time, Daddy had to give 5+ presentations for work, including one in front of the CEO of his company.  He also was asked to polish off a technical article for a magazine that will be published in October.  For me (Mommy), I'm trying to adjust to the new world of "school mom" and consider where I can volunteer, while I continue to teach one class two mornings a week.  This course is new (an advanced reading class), so I've been challenged not only to think more deeply about reading skills myself, but also to put in enough time to lesson planning that makes sense for students.  In addition, I'm taking on a new leadership role at my church, which will involve more meetings as the congregation begins the process to search for a new associate pastor.

Yes, I had an icy pop!

Where is my mind?  It's on Iris' care, teaching, and nurturing while not rushing her to grow up.  It's on clearing more "stuff" out of the house and garage because Iris will need different "stuff".  I think of my parents, especially as my dad (A-gong) is needing more care for his symptoms from Parkinson's.  I think of my nieces and nephews, most of whom do not know Jesus as their Savior.  I also think of what activities do I need to give up because I really can't do it all.  I don't want to be a "supermom" or a "tiger-mom".  I want to be faithful to the woman that God intends for me to be.  Help me, Lord!






Here's a recent prayer that I discovered for praying boldly for children:
* I pray they grow up to be some of the most godly people in their sphere of influence.
* I pray that they would be caught when they make wrong choices.
* I pray that God would save them from the wrong friends and save them for the right friends.  And that goes for their future spouses as well.

Enjoying the outdoors

We love the outdoors

Summer happened, but what happened?  Well, July was a bit of a blur because of a 3-week visit with one of Iris' cousin (GB), and coincided in part with a 12-day camping trip up the west coast that led us to Seattle,WA area to see relatives.

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle!

Look, we're making potstickers.

What do I remember?  A lot of playdates and swimming in friends' pools or at the YMCA.  Iris has blossomed in terms of putting her face and swimming with a "noodle" (pool toy) or without a noodle.  She started wearing her goggles in the water, too, because she enjoys going underwater and seeing mommy there.

Class, are you ready?

Hi, Mom!

We were thrilled to get our kites flying.  Wahoo!

We really tried to skip rock, but we throw "like a girl!"

Beverley Beach, OR

On our vacation, tent camping was a real adventure, but we were thankful for beautiful scenery, a helpful pre-teen that was VERY LOW MAINTENANCE, and for fun meetings with second cousins that are growing up fast.  The trip didn't start out so good because we forgot the campstove at home.  That meant a trip to Walmart (much to Daddy's chagrin to have to enter a Walmart) and keeping a 2nd campstove at home now.  Instead of walking along the sand dunes in Oregon, the mist and rain kept us going to museums, an aquarium, and a floating restaurant (Mmmm fish and chips!).  We were able to spend a leisurely day by the beach, as well as witness an incredibly beautiful sunset near Newport, OR.  More importantly, Iris slept very well in a tent; probably better than the rest of us.  Campfires were enjoyable because of the warmth it gave.  Iris will always remember the roasting of marshmallows. One memory is of her creating a drama of a house and a visitor among some tall trees at our campsite.  She was solo, but it was fun to hear her imaginary conversations. 

Egg beaters on the ceiling?!  That's crazy!

Once back in civilization, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, where Iris ordered an "omelette du fromage" (which is the only French that Daddy has been teaching her.  More on that later).

Iris helped tie-dye this shirt.

Through all the driving and planning what to cook over a campfire, I was amazed at how God gives us an abundance of nature, joy, refreshment, and time to draw close to loved ones.  He truly watched over us, and continues to bless us with stories and new experiences.  However, I'm challenged to truly sit and seek His presence on a more regular basis, such that He can be the reigning King over my and my family's life.  So, I pray.  and pray (for good teaching), and pray (for right decisions), and pray (strength and courage).