Guest Post: 5 Lessons I Learned From My Children



[isn't this little ruffled hoodie adorable? you can buy one today at evy's tree!]

~ Precious mamas, my family is off on a little adventure this week, and I'm honored to have special guests sharing with you in my absence.  Today, the lovely Jasmine from Far Above Rubies shares with us some lessons she's learned while raising her six little blessings. I'm excited about introducing her to you!  I'll be back with you all next week to share some exciting news! ~

Five Lessons I've Learned From My Children:

1.  Do not share family plans with small children in advance.

If I share thoughts of a trip to the park, a visit to a friend’s house, or a walk around the corner in advance, I’m bombarded with questions before the actual event.

Numerous little mouths going a hundred miles an hour is not fun, so it is best to keep quiet until the moment you are ready to do what you set out to do.

2.  Relationship triumphs over religion.

I can preach and teach God until I’m blue in the face, but if my children do not sense love, mercy, and forgiveness I sound like noise (1 Cor. 13).

Children respond more readily to a gentle and quiet mother who is also firm and consistent. Mom seeks to know and shepherd her children while maintaining authority and respect.  Religion can be harsh and driven while relationship is developed and nurtured.

3.  Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no.

When you say you’re going to do something, do it. Follow your words with actions. It gives a sense of security and stability to know mommy and daddy mean what they say.

4.  Give children what they need.

It’s incredibly easy to give into our children’s pleas for toys, gadgets, and sweet treats, but if they do not need it - then don’t give it. For example, if your child is cranky and overly stimulated give them a nap, not food.

When I give my children what they need, the family experiences greater peace and order.

5.  No lectures.

When I see a glazed look in my children’s eyes I know I’ve talked too long. The phrase “No lectures or speeches allowed” should be hung up in capital letters somewhere in your home; that is, if you’re like me, and prone to drag the point home!

Short and quick works much better than a long and drawn out speech about bickering with brother.

Use reinforcement if needed, but be quick, firm, and loving.

Jasmine is happily married and a full-time homemaker and mother of six. She is the author and founder of Far Above Rubies, a ministry dedicated to equipping women in their roles as wives, mothers, and homemakers.  Be sure to visit her there!


 


[also shared at Raising Homemakers, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Domestically Divine, and {Titus2}sdays]




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Guest Post: Uh-Ohs and No-Nos ~ There is a Difference

~ Today I have the honor of sharing my dear, real-life friend Rachel Coltharp with the precious mamas here at LABB.  She has been one of those rare gems who continually mentor, encourage, and inspire me to live a better life for Him.  I just love her and I think you will, too! ~ 

Baby G is a great blessing to his three older siblings and to us. He is a bundle of energy that actually rocks the house with his laughter and mischievous ways. He is sweet and loving. He is also about to turn two.

You KNOW what I mean.

We have for the past year been using gentle correction methods with him. Like when he drops his food off the highchair onto the floor. But lately, the uh-ohs have mutated into something altogether different. The dropping became a game, not an accident. It then morphed into throwing. The accidents were treated as such. The disobedience has consequences. Not because I am a dictator, but because tiny seeds planted early grow into hulking habits later.

While not yet fluent in English, he has mastered manipulation and deception. Every time he intentionally breaks a rule, he tries to pass it off as an accident. After flinging a noodle or piece of oatmeal through the air to watch it smack with a thud against the cabinet then plunk down on the floor, he looks up at me with those huge baby doll eyes and says sweetly “Uh-oh, mom-mom.” But we BOTH know what it was: deliberate. And consequences follow.

Isn’t that just the way we humans like to play it? 

No one “sins” anymore, everyone just “makes mistakes.” A mistake is when you accidentally fall into a hole you did not see, that you were not warned about. But when you read the warning sign, ignore it, and THEN fall into the hole, that is no accident. That is choice. Sin has a payday, and that payday is death.

It is our duty as mothers to help our children learn the difference between mistakes, which are part of being human, and willful disobedience, which is a choice. Sin, in its seed form, does not always look evil, but planted in the heart and allowed to grow it produces the fruit of death. Don’t let little things go, in your heart or in theirs.

It is easier to pluck out a seedling than to uproot an oak.

Rachel Coltharp is a wife of one and mother of four. She is fluent in 4 languages: Infantese, Toddlerspeak, Teenlingo and Husbandism. She is a writer and public speaker who shares from her real life experiences, mostly mistakes and do-overs. She is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and an avid disciple of the the Apostolic doctrine. She may be contacted at rcolt92@bcglobal.net or followed at rachelcoltharp.blogspot.com.

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[also shared at Women Living Well Wednesday]

One Way to Love

This past weekend we witnessed the union of

two lives,

two loves,

two sweet friends

that now exist as

one.

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall be one flesh." Ephesians 5:31

Since then, I've been pondering the familiar "passage of love" found in 1 Corinthians 13:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking..."

My mind keeps pausing there, my heart hurts, and I linger on this portion for awhile: It is not self-seeking.

{Inwardly I groan, because it pains me, pierces me; I know I wrestle with this}

Not self-seeking.

How many times have I sought after my own wants, my own little luxuries, my own time away, my own accomplishments?  "Me.  Me.  Me."  I have times like that.  But it's not about me, not at all.  How could I forget?
  
Love is not self-seeking.   It's right there, in the Book.   He's talking to me, to you, to each of us.  I will listen; I want Him to teach me.  I need Him to teach me. 
And so, precious mamas, for the remainder of this week (longer?), will you come alongside and practice seeking to serve others more?  Seek to serve them graciously, lovingly, faithfully, as you would if you were serving Him?  Do it unto Him?  Prayerfully?

Serve your husbands, your children, your church family, your neighbors? Will you find a way, make the time?
 
What will it look like when you do?  What will you do?  How will you do it?  What will happen?  Will you be changed?  Will they? And then, when we practice it, perhaps even make a lifelong habit of it, in His strength, we can rejoice in the words to follow, that love  "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 
   Serving unto Him,



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*Participating with Women Living Well Wednesdays, Walk With Him Wednesdays, Homemaking Link-Up, Domestically Divine, and {Titus2}sdays

Be a Better Help Meet: 5 Things You Can Do Today

Are you a young wife or mother looking for ways to be a better help to your husband?  Here are five simple, practical things you can begin to implement today:

1.  Pray for him.  Do it this morning during your prayer time, or while the children are napping, or while they are busy at play.  Even if it is only five minutes, spend that time in prayer for your husband.

2.  Have dinner ready when he gets home.  It sounds cliche, but he's likely to be hungry when he gets home from work.  A carefully prepared, hot meal will be a blessing to him, especially if you all sit down and enjoy it peacefully together.  Use that time to ask him how his day was, and really listen.

3.  Freshen up before he gets home.  Smooth your hair, be sure you are dressed, clean, feminine, and welcoming in your appearance and demeanor.  Take a moment to freshen up the children, too.  Wash their faces.  If their clothes have peanut butter smears from lunch, change them :)

4.  Quickly clear out any mess from the day.  Ten minutes before your husband gets home, have the children pick up all of the toys that may have ventured into the living room.  Wipe down the coffee table.  Clear the mail and any papers from the kitchen counter or table. 

5.  Create a peaceful atmosphere.  Sit the children down and instruct them how to behave when Daddy arrives.  No arguing, no yelling.  Show your excitement about Daddy coming home, and ask them if they'd like to give Daddy a big hug when he walks in the door.  Do not bombard him with requests and complaints right away.  Greet him with a smile and a twinkle in your eye; then really kiss him.  Make coming home a pleasant time, something he looks forward to, and let your home be an oasis from the stresses of his daily career.  I like to light a candle and keep it burning throughout the day.

Precious mamas, what are some practical things you do each day to be a better help to your husband?


           Warmly,




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*I've been inspired recently by the book Created to be His Help Meet, resulting in my version of this list of "Be a Better Help Meet."  There is a similar one shared in the book, taken from an old home economics book if I remember correctly.  You might enjoy looking into it!  It's a wonderful book!

Moments that are Holy

[scroll to the bottom of this page and pause the music player first, and if you cannot view the video, please click here]

Moments. 

What are you doing with your microscopic, fleeting moments?

Moments that are holy.

"This is how you spend your one life well..." she says.

If you watch nothing else today, please watch this, dear mamas, and embrace your precious little ones a moment longer, sweeter, closer.  I know I did.


            Warmly,




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Personal Reading Goals For The First Quarter Of 2011



[photo credit]

When I was a child, much of our quiet time in the evenings was spent playing family games or reading books.  I remember spending countless hours sitting on my bedroom floor, my back flat against the sideboards of my old and very high wooden bed, with my knees drawn up and a book propped on them.  Nothing was too long or too difficult for me back then; I loved to read, and was good at it. 

As a mama, I still appreciate a well-written book, but now I find myself searching out ones that will help me grow and will ultimately add value to my family or spiritual life.  And, although I read quite often, this year I desire to be accountable, scheduled, and more intentional with my reading. 

I'm hoping to read a minimum of two books per month in 2011, with the exception of this first quarter since I am reading my Bible through and it is requiring a significant time commitment. 


My Reading Goals for 1st Quarter of 2011:

*Read through the entire Bible - I'm using my ESV Bible along with the 90 day reading plan that I shared in this post.

*Read Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl - I began this one already and am really looking forward to getting further along in it!

*Read What Did You Expect: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul Tripp - My husband is reading this book now and has really been enjoying it.  We'll be going through this one together.

*Read Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt - I'm hoping for some inspiring words regarding the process of learning and possibly tools for homeschooling in this one.  I love the subtitle of the book: "The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life."  Doesn't it sound like a wonderful resource?  Have you read this one already?

And, if I finish ahead of schedule, I may begin Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours or perhaps Organizing Your Day and attempt to get a head start on the second quarter :)

For some of my absolutely favorite books of all time, be sure to visit the Bubbling Brook store.

What books are you reading this year, ladies?  Do you have any recommendations for me?

            Warmly,


*Shared at {Titus2}sdays and Domestically Divine


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Divinely Knit Together: Another Year To Celebrate

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage."  ~ Martin Luther

This weekend, I count it a joy and a blessing to be celebrating yet another year of marriage to my dearest and best friend and the love of my life.

We first met fifteen years ago, and little did we know then that it wouldn't be long before God would knit our lives and hearts together into this beautiful tapestry of a family, with two precious babes gifted to us by God.

We have grown together, laughed together, cried together, and prayed together.  We've been breathless and elated on mountaintops and struggled and cried out to God in the valleys.  We've been through major career changes, job loss, infertility, financial pressures, heartaches, and health scares.  God has walked with us, even carried us, as we've forged ahead together. 

He's a Godly man, wonderful husband, and devoted father.  I am honored he chose me to be his wife. 

I love and respect him more today than ever. 

           Rejoicing,



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Upside Down, Spinning Around... Ah, Life With Boys!

Evenings around here are often spent wrestling and rough-housing.  We have boys, after all!

The littlest one has an affinity for Daddy's feet, though, and also for hanging upside down. 

Is he a monkey or a possum?  You decide!

Do your children do this, too?!  Please tell me they do!

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, dear ones, and I'll see you in the new year.  There are many challenging posts ahead!  Thank you so much for all of your encouraging words; I'm thankful for you, and I'm humbled that you take the time to write and comment here! 

           Warmly,


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What I Think I Deserve

I'm thinking of Mary today.

How, just a few days before Christ's birth, she must have been feeling stretched and sore, not only from being so heavy with child, but from her time of distant travels.

How I might have felt, in her place, after such a journey.

How, in my humanity and utter imperfectness, I would have felt when my husband could not find an inn with room for us.

No room?  In any inn?  Can they not see that I am in desperate need of a warm room, midwife assistance, a soothing hot drink?  My child is coming.  How could you not make room for me?  For my little one?  Sir, what about you, would you give us your room, if even for one night? 

My flesh cringes.  I'm ashamed.  Any ounce of righteousness I think I have is truly... filthy rags.  They cling to me, and I want to rip them off.

Oh, who am I to think I would deserve such things, such luxuries, such compassion? 

And yet sometimes we go about life that way.

I deserve that nice car, or that big house, or steak for dinner.  Or.... my children deserve more toys, an ivy league education, or the latest video game.  After all, everyone else has it, right?  Are they any better than I am?  Worse yet, who are THEY to have it, and why shouldn't I?

Yet Mary, about to give birth to the Saviour of the world, did not even have a proper room to give birth to him in.  Did that mean she was not special, not loved, not anointed for His purpose?  No!

We know this about Mary: "Hail, thou that art highly favored... blessed are thou among women" (Luke 1:28).  Highly favored!  Blessed among women!  No, her circumstances were not ideal, but she was right in line with the divine will of God.

What we have - or do not have - it not a measure of our worth.  And what others appear to have can be deceiving.  We are in grave danger when we begin to compare ourselves to others and think we deserve more than what we have, more than what He has provided, more than what we can comfortably afford.

Sometimes what we think we deserve is not the plan God has for us.  And, even when it's hard, even when we can't see why, His plan promises to be better than ours.  When we live life outside of His plan, believing we somehow deserve more, we lose our peace, sometimes we lose our families, some even lose their relationship with Him.

Born in a manger - a feed trough.  Yes, this was the King of kings and the Lord of all lords.

In our pride, our ambition, our ignorance, we continue to think we somehow deserve more, deserve better, that we have a right to "it," whatever "it" may be.

I lie prostrate, with my face to the floor.  Help me to be content with what You've provided.

He gives me the greatest of gifts: abundant life, salvation, grace, His Word, hope, real peace.

Teach my Thy ways, even when they look different than the world's ways, even when it may be hard or unpopular, even when I don't understand, even when it's uncomfortable.

Give me a Mary heart.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10


           Humbly,



Also shared at WFMW, Raising Homemakers, Domestically Divine, Gratituesday, Made by You Mondays, Make Your Home Sing Mondays and Marriage Mondays





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How (and Why) We Paid Cash For Our Home

I'm guest posting over at ChristianPF (Christian Personal Finance) today, sharing our story about how (and why) we paid cash for our home.  Won't you join me there?

When you are done perusing the ChristianPF site, which I highly recommend, pop back over here and read how Crystal and her family paid cash for their home recently, and also how God prompted Smockity and her family to downsize their home and expenses so that she could be home to raise their children.

I think you'll find their stories inspiring!

If you are popping by Like a Bubbling Brook from ChristianPF, then welcome!  I'm so glad you are here.  Please consider subscribing via email or facebook before you leave, and you'll never miss a post!

            Warmly,


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This Little House On a Blustery Day

It's been a blustery day. 

There's a north wind blowing fiercely, roaring against our snug home, and we've a warning of nearly two feet of snow possible by morning.  Church was cancelled this evening, so we've been cozy and enjoying some measure of solitude before our normal schedule ensues tomorrow.

Weather like this always brings about a craving for good, hearty comfort food, so I baked a special treat for my three men: a savory chicken pot pie, with a cheese and parsley garnished crust, packed full with diced grilled chicken, winter vegetables, and a creamy, well-seasoned sauce.  One of my secrets?  A little thyme sprinkled inside ~

We enjoyed a very classic game or two of Old Maid, read through a chapter of Little House On the Prairie, and tried a different kind of devotional tonight; this one was based upon the beginning pages of The Story of the Bible. 

The children are in bed now, sleeping soundly, and I've just finished getting my flours soaking for tomorrow's breads.  I'll be baking my Cinnamon Walnut Raisin Bread this week, as well as a good, hearty loaf of wheat sandwich bread.  Our new bag of grain - organic hard white wheat - came in a couple of days ago, so I also took some time tonight to separate it into freezer bags and take it out to our extra freezer in the garage.  I think it keeps much better that way, if there's room in the freezer.  Ours is nearly full right now, but I managed to fit the grain in with a gentle push.

I'm terribly aware of the wind howling outside tonight, and my windows are rattling and icy, but I can't help but to think that just yesterday morning we had taken these ~

I pray you are warm and snug with your families tonight, enjoying His goodness and savoring each moment.  Time passes all too quickly, especially with little ones pattering around and all else that comes with managing and stewarding your precious home.  Your role, your work there is sacred and invaluable.

And for the new readers here, welcome; I'm so glad you've stayed awhile.  It was sweet of Crystal to share my easy Christmas cookie recipe, and I truly enjoy hearing from you, so thank you for subscribing  ~

           Warmly,


Shared at Making Your Home Sing, Raising Homemakers, and Gratituesday




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Spending Mornings With The One Who Made Them

We are an active family.

We love to be outdoors enjoying God's beautiful creations, and that works well for us, because my little men have quite a bit of energy.

But, lately I have been feeling a bit pricked in my heart about how my little ones spend their wee hours of the morning.  With all of their energy, they want to just get up and GO.  Busy play and much to-do, right from the start.

Although we have devotional time together as a family in the evenings, perhaps now is the time to inspire our six-year-old to pause in the mornings and pray, to read the Word, to spend quiet time with THE Creator of all these beautiful places we enjoy.

So this morning, when my sleepy-eyed little man bounded into the living room just shy of 6 a.m., this mama prompted him to sit with his children's bible and peruse.  As his reading improves, we'll become more disciplined in blocks of time for specific passage readings and study.

Are your children spending morning-time in prayer and the Word?  At what age did you begin to encourage it?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments section.


           Warmly,


{Also shared at Finer Things Friday}

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Snow Day, In Pictures ~

  W h o o s h i n g down the hillside fast

Trees and people blurring past

Runners carving out the snow

Like an astronaut I go

Blasting into outer space

Rocketing at record pace

Through the stratosphere I fly

I’m commander of the sky

Won’t return to Earth until . . .


I reach


                 the bottom


                                    of the hill.
~ Elaine Magliaro

 

After a breath-taking afternoon, I'm cozy with my men tonight, enjoying hot cocoa and hugs ~

            Warmly,



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