Grow up! You ever issue that challenge to someone? I know I have, usually when I’m just fed up with their Israelite going around the mountain actions. I just want them to get it already. But how many of us have commanded ourselves to grow up? We may have; I know I do when I’m tired of some of my behavior that I should have stopped and replaced with something better a long time ago. The real challenge, though, is going beyond just telling yourself to grow up Continue reading
Stop Being Niggardly, by Karen Hunter
I got a chance to go to the library and pick books without colorful pictures and rhyming words.
I ate fancy food at an organic restaurant with my favorite organic friend.
I heard some poetry and some jazz apart from nursery rhymes and children whining in the background.
I thought about riding my bike but decided to take a stroll even with the children in tow and it was all right.
I got to reclaim myself on break Continue reading
They whined.
They begged.
They hollered and screamed.
They threw fruit.
They hit and wouldn’t share.
They called to mom to referee though dad was there too.
And the littlest one laughed at their antics.
I shushed, made them ask and say please and thank you.
I spoke and spanked and made them share
And all became clear: Having no routine for a 2 and 7 year old doesn’t work unless you want MORE work.
So, on my blogging break I learned a break for me can’t be a break for the kids, at least not in the same way. They need an organized schedule that includes plenty of energy-burning activities to keep them focused and calm, kind even, and keeps the mommy feeling like she’s still having some sort of break, even as a part-time referee.
Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith
I struggle with being a mom, not with the fact that I am one, but with the reality of doing motherhood. Yes, I clean bottoms, feed bellies, entice minds with books, bible studies and verses. I run. I jump. I sing. I pray. Lord knows I pray. I have to. You, mothers, know what I’m talking about. But sometimes my motherhood rhythm is off and throws off my daily dance. Shoot, on some days I don’t even want to find the rhythm because then I’m forced to dance. I had a day like this on my blogging break in July. Now God can speak any time, I know this, but I think my not being focused on blogging helped me to hear God clearer, differently even from before, about why He gave me children. Continue reading