Grandmama and Papaw

Mason, Franklin, Weston and Braden love their Grandmama and Papaw! Overcomer will too! I'm thankful they have such wonderful grandparents (and great-grandparents) to model living life for them. They live out their faith well.

My dad, Papaw, met with Mason in late December and presented him with document written in calligraphy. He had actually hired someone to hand write this note in elegant calligraphy. It was a contract for Mason to sign at age 13, It challenges him to begin reading one chapter of Proverbs every day in January and continue every January for the rest of his life. In return, my dad promises to be reading the same chapters every day in January for the rest of his life as well. Dad plans to present this agreement to every grandchild before the January of their 13th birthday. What intentionality for my dad to ask this of them.

Omar happened to be with us on the evening of the challenge. So, my dad included him. Omar signed the same agreement. He will be reading Proverbs too.

Mason taped a note on the refrigerator when we came home that night. In bold caps, it read, "MASON READ PROVERBS!"

On January 1st, I overheard a phone conversation. Standing in the kitchen with Mason in the next room, I heard:
"Hey, this is Mason. Is Omar there?" ...
"Hey Omar, How're you doin'?" ...
"Great. Well, I was calling to remind you to read Proverbs today." ...
"Oh, you did! That's great! I'm glad you've already read it! Okay, well I'll talk to you later. Bye."

"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly."
Acts 10:2

January 22, 2011 - Mason has read his chapter every day. He even took his bible when he spent the night with a friend. He's committed.

April 13th - Steams in the Desert

Sometimes the Lord hedges in our ways. Today is such a day for me.

My illness seems to be worse today. I've been running a fever, my throat has certainly not improved, my stamina weakened - possibly felt stronger yesterday due to the steroid shot, and earlier today I had a short moment of blacking-out. Fifteen minutes is about my maximum time out of bed, so I'll try to transfer my thoughts quickly.

In short, tonight the boys' band will be playing for our Perspectives class and I really want to be there. This will be their first time playing for someone besides the homeless of Water Angels, the kids of our church, or the youth at Club 180. This will also be their first mainstream adult audience to lead in worship. This will also be their first time to play "Glory to God" as a band. This will also be the first time I have missed them play...

A few minutes ago, I joined their practice session and they gave me a personal concert previewing the songs they will be playing in a few hours. I cried as I listened to the words, "Take my life and let it be...All for you...and for your glory...Take my life and let it be Yours!" I realized this is a day when I am surrendering my desires by the way hedged in by Him. Oh, how I am tired of feeling so lousy. Oh, how I long to be there tonight.

At the end of the practice, Weston dashed quickly out of the room. I followed him and found him wiping his eyes. After some coaxing he told me the reason he was crying was because he wanted me to be there. What can a mother say? I promised to be with them through my prayers. My heart will certainly be there!

After a few moments of self-pity as I'm rearranging commitments for the week, and realizing I'll miss this evening due to this crazy sore throat; I picked up my favorite book and read the entry for today. I had to smile at the words, because here I am without a voice and being forced to rest...

I laid it down in silence,
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me -
A resting time.
The Master's voice had called me
To rest apart;
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed in my heart.

I took the rest and stillness
From his own hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He had planned.
How often we choose labor,
When He says, "Rest" -
Our ways are blind and crooked;
His way is best...

-Selected
Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, April 13th

If you read this, please pray for the boys tonight. May they lead well in the worship this evening and may their music help draw hearts toward our Almighty God.

UPDATE A WEEK LATER (4/21/10): The boys were amazing - according to people I talked to in class last night. One girl told me that it was one of the most impactful worship experiences she'd ever had. She said it was incredible having children lead the hearts of adults in worship! Reid also told me that after the boys played, several people came up to pray for them. They prayed and afterwards a lady told Reid she had a vision while praying for them. As she was praying, she saw a bright white light from heaven come down on top of each of their four heads. She didn't "define" it, but I hope it's the light of Jesus filling each of them to be His light here on earth. May God anoint them for His service.

As for me, I'm still not 100%, but striving to get there. My voice has returned, and already I'm tired of listening to it! The peace and quiet were enjoyed.

Wherever the Wind Blows

Today I have been around people drifting in the wind. Drifting off course by the winds of the world. Drifting farther and farther away from their high callings in life.

I was at a local church's consignment sale, and paying my total to two mothers about my age. I was purchasing some books. When one of the women commented on what great buys I had found, I casually said the books were going to be used for Homeschooling next year.

"Oh, I could never do that. And, I would never want to. I get enough of my children as it is."

(Now, my son, Mason is standing beside me as she says this. What do you think he was thinking?)

The other lady quips out, "I would never be with my kids all day long. It's so tiring. I'm glad to send them off everyday."

To which the other responded, "Yeah, I don't know why anyone would choose to spend all day teaching their children."

Grappling for words that would convey what was in my heart, I said with loving conviction, "Because it's so rewarding."

I wanted to admonish these two supposed Christian women. Their words revealed their hearts. How sad. Our children are a blessing, not a burden. If anything in my life is worthwhile work, it is the time and energy I invest into their lives.

Another Christian friend I spoke with today is comtemplating decisions about which full-time job to take for the next school year. She had been a stay-at-home mother who began working part-time a few years ago. This past school year she started full-time work and comes home constantly stressed out and anxious. This year, she has had numerous issues with her oldest son - some very concerning.

At the same time she is talking about which job to choose she is also sharing how desperate (yes, desperate is the appropriate word) one of her boys is for more time with her. He has some medical issues that, up until recently, were undiagnosed. Because he was not an easy child, my friend had bought into the thinking that sending him to live somewhere else was the answer to the problem. (Where in Scripture does it say that our children will be easy? Or anything else for that matter? God is BIG ENOUGH to walk you through it!)

She kept saying, "I just want to do what is best for my son...He needs his me...He comes first...But we need my income for a new roof (Doesn't God promise to supply your every need? Has there ever been a time in your life when He hasn't?)...my mom will say that she was able to work full-time, and that just makes me feel so bad (Is your mother the example you attain to or is it Christ?)...my husband says he'll support whatever decision I make (Excuse me, mister, could you lead a little? Or, is it easier just to be passive? Since you two are married, isn't this a decision that both of you have interest in?)...this is a job that I really want to take to see if I will like it (yes, that is a quote - 'to see if I will like it' - when there is a child struggling daily with his place and purpose in this world)...the people at this job need me (I'm sorry, what are your priorities again? Because you just said your son needs you??!!) "

I do believe in her heart she wants to do what is best for her son, but the voices of the world are the dominating factor in any decision. She is not grounded in her identity in Christ and the high calling that He has ordained in her life. It never entered the conversation that she wanted to do what "God wanted her to do." To be in the center of His Will for her life.

Don't get me wrong. I am not at all opposed to her working. It just seemed to me that her expectations were on the son to "adjust" to whatever decision was made instead of truly seeking God for what would be best for him. I didn't hear any willingness to sacrifice. Thoughts blowing around instead of seeking God for assurance and direction.

The winds of the world blowing in my ear, too. Can I stand strong? Or will I too be swept away into a worldly way of thinking? I pray not.

Everyday, God reveals the need to help our children know their purpose and direction in this world. If their feet are not planted firmly on the rock and their moral compass not aligned with God's direction the any wind from any one at any time could take them off course.

Lord, for our children, I pray that their sails will be set and your guiding wind will continue to propel them toward their True North.

You're UGLY

Another life lesson for one of our boys this week...

Mason was placed in a situation where some other children said some cruel things. "Your haircut looks bad," and "You're UGLY!" stomped on his little heart.

He started the Sunday morning crying at church, but was afraid to tell us why. He held it all in until we returned home that afternoon.

Reid listened and shared with Mason that he was made in the image of God, and beautiful in His sight. Reid and Mason talked for a LONG time and Mason was a different child when he emerged from the room. Reid had spoken TRUTH into him and gave him back the confidence the cruel words had taken away.

Oh, we want to protect our children from the cruelty in the world. Sadly, I am learning that they will not always be shielded. Although difficult, how thankful we can be for these learning experiences. These are molding him into a young man with compassion and understanding.

I am so thankful to have a husband who teaches TRUTH when circumstances like these arise. Instead of telling a Mason to reply with another insult, Reid is using it as an opportunity to impart wisdom and understanding into a young heart. Instead of shrugging it off, Reid is taking the time to listen.

How thankful I am to have such a wonderful husband and father to our boys!

Life Lessons

Some life lessons are hard to learn...

And, as a parent, some life lessons are hard to teach...

This has been my experience over the past week.

Our second grade son, Franklin, has made the choice to "cheat" on an Accelerated Reader reading contest in school. He has taken tests on books that he has not read, and has even admitted to "looking onto other computers." Unwise choices...

Franklin has been in FIRST PLACE for the entire second grade at his school. Because the school is so large, it has been a big deal to receive the recognition at the Awards Ceremonies. Franklin has "beamed" each time his name was called and he received applause.

Thursday night, his teacher called to let us know of the problem. Although, she had addressed it with him, Franklin did not change his behavior. There had been no consequence.

However, on Friday, Reid and I realized the severity of the situation as we looked at a report that stated Franklin had taken 229 Accelerated Reader tests over the last six weeks. What!?! 229 tests?!? Talk about being "blown away."

Reid and I wanted Franklin to realize the seriousness of the situation. We wanted to address this as Christian parents molding a child with Christ-like character and integrity.

We had a long talk on Saturday about honesty, lying, deception, cheating, and the consequences of sin. It was a good talk and Franklin seemed remorseful and receptive to the correction.

Franklin had to write a letter to his teacher apologizing for cheating. He had to withdraw his name from any recognition or awards associated with the AR program. And, what he liked the least, he is required to read for 20 minutes here at home every day through the end of the school year.

This has made me realize how I like to treat my own sin. Do I continue to do things that I know are sinful until I must face the consequence of those actions and choices? Isn't that where we like to think we can stay?

If my remorse over my sin only strikes me once there is a consequence, then I have the wrong view of sin!! May I be mindful of my own heart. May my motives and my choices be honoring to the Lord in every area of my life.

Hard lessons...and I am also still learning!