Children {Sunday Community}

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

We had a lovely visit last week with my brother’s family.

Dollie, 15

Drummer, 13

Zoe-Dog, 6

Ellie (my sweet niece), 8 months

 

♥Lori

Linked with The Sunday Community

My thoughts on mentoring

I know I’m a little late getting in on this mentoring conversation, but today’s scripture really struck a chord.  It’s something that’s been on my heart for awhile, but I am really good at putting it on the shelf and “not thinking about it.”  

"...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."  Titus 2:3-5

It’s quite obvious from this passage that as “older” (ahem) women, we are to behave in a certain way…reverent, etc.  Why?  Because we are an example.  Like it or not.  In our spheres of influence, wherever that may be…home, church, home, school, grocery store, home, our neighborhood, other women are watching.  You can bet on it.

I have a couple of younger moms at church, who I know watch my children. My children are teenagers now, but they are well-behaved, courteous, and helpful.  And people see that.  Others want to know “how we did it.”  It’s an example to them…a goal to shoot for. 

Are my kids perfect?  No.  Am I perfect?  No.  But they are certainly welcome to follow me as I follow HIM….mistakes and all.  And honestly, sometimes the mistakes are the best teachers.

For over 17 years, I’ve done just that.  I’ve followed.  I’ve watched.  I’ve taken notes.  This is my example….

This is J.  She is about the best example of a wife and mom I know.  Only recently did we tell her and her husband that they were the models we used for our parenting.  They didn’t even know we were taking notes and implementing strategies, based on what we saw them do.  How many younger couples are watching me, that I don't even know about?  Wowza!  That's a big responsibility!

And ohhhhh how she loves her husband!  I think they just celebrated 25 years, and you would think they are but newlyweds….seriously!  I desire that as well...

All that to say this….we need each other.  We need to have mentors and to be mentors.  My prayer is that I could do just that…have and be a mentor.  How about you?

♥Lori

Linked with:

Good Morning Girls
WIPWed

Wifey Wednesday

 

Wrestling With Identity

Early on in life, before I met husband, or even Jesus for that matter, I had visions of myself as the proverbial career woman (I actually have a BS in Accounting) with maybe a husband but definitely no kids.  In 1988, when I met Jesus, things changed. 

Then in 1995 everything changed - I married, and two years later became a mom. 

I found that my vision for my life had not only changed, but changed drastically.

Now, I loved being a wife and taking care of my home and living life with my husband…still do – even after 17 years!!  And being a mom…words cannot describe it! 

I have spent the last 17 years forming my identity around my family. 

I am a wife and a mom.  Period.  And I have no problem with that, I simply have a questioning, a stirring for more….  Could this be called an identity crisis?

Definition of IDENTITY CRISIS
1: personal psychosocial conflict that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality
2: a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

I am keenly aware of how fast my children are growing up.  They are now 13 and 15.  In five short years, even high school will be a memory. 

Then what will my identity be?  

What direction will I head? 

Could / should I be going in that direction now?

I comprehend the fact that I am first and foremost a Daughter of the Most High God. 

But I will also always be a wife and help-meet, and I will certainly always be their Mom. 

I guess my question in all of this is…

As wives and mothers, how do we keep from forging our identities in the roles of wife and mom?  Shouldn’t there be more?  And if so, how do we get there?

♥Lori

Linked up with:

WIP Wed @ New Life Steward

Good Morning Girls

Wifey Wednesday @ To Love Honor & Vacuum

Summer Came....

My poor neglected blog...

Summer came, and you went.  

I had such good intentions of consistency and writing and connecting with other women.  

Then summer came, and I didn't do any of it.

I still have those intentions.

And I still want to  write, and post consistently, and oh how I long to connect with other  like-minded women!

So I'll do what I can.  I'll write when I can.  And hopefully I'll find a groove that fits - both my desires for my blog and my life.

For now, I'm determined to live, move and have my being...in Him and with my family. Acts 17:28
 
How is your summer?
 

♥Lori