In the details...

As a mother, I am constantly aware of my own fallen nature and sin. It's easy to get caught up in all the things we feel will negatively impact our precious children rather than noticing all the things we are doing right. The Lord reminded me of this in the sweetest way recently.

As I watch Esther and Rachel together, I see how gentle and kind they are. They talk to each other in sweet voices, are happy to help each other, share beautifully and even at this young age make sacrifices in small ways for each other. They adore each others company and do thoughtful things for each other on their own initiative. I watch Esther comfort her little sister when she falls and see Rachel's heart break when her 'Idy' is crying.

Another beautiful thing to witness is their tenderness and thoughts towards babies. They see a baby as someone to be nurtured. They are doting and complimentary of visiting babies, lavishing affection on them, singing them songs and looking at them with that innate desire to nurture that little girls have.

Even more telling, is the way Esther handles Rachel when she does something 'naughty'. Esther is very patient, she explains things to her carefully, does not scream, shout or lash out, but carefully re-directs her in a positive way. Sometimes, she will put her hand on her little hip and look exasperated at her younger sibling then quickly recompose herself and firmly but lovingly correct her sister.

Most wonderful, is seeing the Holy Spirit working in my tiny Christian's life. For her heart to be burdened with prayer for friends or family. When she identifies sadness in someones life and says ' I think that person needs Jesus!' or she is torn up about injustice that she sees. The most amazing experience is when after making a bad choice, comes to me hours later, despite the apology she made at the time of the incident and genuinely apologises from the bottom of her little heart.

Yes, I am a sinner... and my parenting will never be perfect, but how wonderful it is that I have a heavenly Father, so merciful and graceful that teaches me to be a mother after His own heart, to improve each day...

I must say... my kids are pretty amazing... and i give thanks to the Lord alone for it!

Blessed are the Meek.

I recently wrote this short devotional for the Metochai Newsletter. Our theme this year is the Beatitudes. I thought I would share this!



I have given my life to ministry, joyfully following the Lord on this difficult journey. Each day I ask Him 'Lord! Transform my heart, so that I can be used for your Glory!' I repent of my flaws that I battle incessantly, asking Him for personality traits that are noble and righteous.

I contemplate the characteristics of the Godly women I respect, desiring to have the qualities of Christ, that they have put on so that they may minister to their families, their brothers and sisters in Christ and the lost. I have come to the conclusion that 'meekness' is the very heartbeat of what makes them effective in God's work.

Meekness is not to be confused with being weak or timid, indeed it requires incredible strength from Christ, self control and self assurance.

Meekness is having a profound understanding of God's mercy and grace in response to our sin, thus coming completely under the authority and control of God.

As we serve, we are humbled, looking on each other with the grace and mercy of our Lord. In our interactions, in the most trying circumstances we are mild and even tempered. We are compassionate and patient as we minister, in the very heat of this battle for the lost.

Creative and Thrifty Play Kitchen

I came across this and thought it was a wonderful idea, so I wanted to share it with you! It shows you how to make an old entertainment center into a play kitchen for a super thrifty price!

Wooden Play Kitchen

The Namesake Keepsake...

A few weeks ago, I went to a Just Between Friends Sale and was accosted by a man who was selling print outs of your child's name, with birth date and poem on pretty paper. He was selling them for $7 plus extra for a frame.

They were really cute, but I had a feeling I could make my own for much less. Here is the cost breakdown per 'Namesake'.

Cardstock: 25c (50% off at Michaels)
Border, cut from a scrapbook paper sheet: 59c
Frame: $1 from the Dollar Tree.

Instead of a poem, I picked a scripture for each of the girls. I hope they are something they can keep and be encouraged by when they are older.

Here are the finished products...I intend to hang them above the girls beds.

The non-toxic cleaning kit.

I have wanted to make my own cleaning kit for a while but since I already had cleaners, it would not have been cost efficient or thrifty. However, since we are moving to a new apartment and currently have no cleaning products, I have no choice but to make new supplies (We got rid of the old stuff, because we didn't want bottles of half full cleaners in storage for 4 months!).

Not only is it cheap, it's also safer and gentler for those of use with little curious children... who will happily eat from the floor, dunk their hands in the toilet and lick the windows. To add to the excitement... its a little better for the environment!

Here is the 'tutorial' I plan on using... I will update you when I have made my cleaning products.... with pictures of course!

CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL

The Esther Survey

Today Esther handed me a block and explained that it was my microphone and I had to ask her questions. Some of the answers seem so simple, but as I asked and listened, I was suddenly aware of how grown up she was getting. She not only is really mastering language, but that she has very detailed opinions on things, likes and dislikes.

It went something like this...

What is your name?
Esther

How old are you?
(Holds up 3 fingers)

What is your favourite colour?
Pink

What is your favourite food?
Ice Cream

What is your favourite drink?
Apple Juice Limeade

What is your favourite movie?
Shrek

Any others?
Letter Factory.

Where to you like to play?
My room

Where do you like to eat?
Downstairs in the kitchen

Who is best at cooking?
Mommy, you are.

What is your favorite animal?
Cats and dogs. I am going to get them when I am older.

Do you have a brother or sister?
(Points at Rachel) That baby there. Its a sister.

Who is your best friend?
Emma

What do you like to wear?
Dresses.

Shopping the Farmer's Markets

This morning we headed out bright and early to catch the farmers market. As we pulled up, we were all excited since a row of stalls is a rare site in a Texas city! It was a new experience for Esther also.

I first was drawn to the stall with Goat's cheese which was delicious, then some hand made soaps. After that we looked at the vegetables. It was so hard to choose since everything looked great. We settle for some peaches, pears, a big cantaloupe melon and some jalapenos.

Next, we headed out to the Ridgelea farmers market which is open all week. They have a wide variety there always, so I was drawn to ask some questions. Upon inquiring, I found that the grapes, strawberries and blueberries were not local but she told me what was. I also asked what of that was grown through sustainable methods but they were not sure.

Before checking out the preserves, we sat down for a bottle of Dublin Dr Pepper (if you haven't had it, you should! Its made just a few hours away from us with cane sugar, much tastier than the canned stuff!).

I was excited to find some raw honey at a not so inflated price and we also got some damson plum jam.

Overall it was a fun time! I have to admit though, I am looking forward to the time when I can spend some time on some sustainable pick your own farms or have my own patch! I cannot imagine the thrill of cooking my home grown produce. In the meantime, I am reading as much as I can to prepare!