May 16, 2011

Monday Minute: Sparrow Keychain

How cute is this?!?



The Sparrow Keychain doubles as whistle and then when you get home you put the bird in its birdhouse. Super cute. I think this would make a fantastic housewarming gift.

May 11, 2011

Parenting is Hard

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

The other day my children's school sent home the weekly newsletter. In it was a short article titled, "WANTED. Understanding children who talk back."



This caught my eye. Why would an understanding child talk back?!? And who wants a child that talks back?!? So I read through it. It was then that I realized that the WANTED banner was just part of the fancy clip art associated with our wild west theme of our school mascot, The Rangers. The article was about understanding why your children might talk back and some advice on what to do. Here's what it stated.

It is normal for children to talk back to their parents at different stages of their development. If talking back seems to be a concern, consider the following ...

- Don't get into a power struggle with your child. An angry response from you may result in more back talking.
- Let your child know in a calm manner that you are not happy with the way they are talking and that the conversation will continue when they are ready to talk in a respectful and calm manner.
- Acknowledge when your child speaks in a respectful manner.
- Model the way you want to be talked to when you are talking to your child.
- Use wait time. Take the time to listen and show your child you will consider their thoughts and concerns.

Uggh. I need to print this out in poster size and hang it in every room in my home. To be completely honest, I have a roller coaster relationship with my son. We are either on a big high and getting along fabulously or we are in the pits. It is so hard. When I look back at a conversation, I can see where it went terribly wrong. But in the heat of the moment, I just can't see my mistakes. Sometimes I'm not a crazy Christian girl. I'm just crazy!

Now, I know that this is not a one sided equation. I know that my son is responsible for his attitude and actions. But, I can't help feeling that if I were a better model of how to respond, and not react when frustrated, he would be better at it, too.

So, I went to Scripture to see if this advice is supported. Here's what I found.

- Don't get into a power struggle with your child. An angry response from you may result in more back talking.

Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Ephesians 6:4a (The Message)

- Let your child know in a calm manner that you are not happy with the way they are talking and that the conversation will continue when they are ready to talk in a respectful and calm manner.

Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Ephesians 5:21 (The Message)

Respect your father and mother—God, your God, commands it! You'll have a long life; the land that God is giving you will treat you well. Deuteronomy 5:16 (The Message)

- Acknowledge when your child speaks in a respectful manner.

Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. Ephesians 6:4b (The Message)

- Model the way you want to be talked to when you are talking to your child.

1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)

- Use wait time. Take the time to listen and show your child you will consider their thoughts and concerns.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (New International Version, ©2011)

My prayer is that I will respond to my child in love and grace, the way God responds to me when I act badly. Thanks for letting me be transparent with you. I hope that you are encouraged by God's promises to us (like the unconditional love he has for every single person on this planet) and that like me, you can ask for forgiveness for past mistakes and move beyond them into God's plan and purpose for your own life.

Matthew 3:17 (New International Version, ©2011)

17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”



May 9, 2011

Monday Minute: kelly & katie Wedge

So, now that I live in a warmer climate, I need more than one pair of flip-flops. I needed some cute sandals that added a touch of style to my outfit while still being comfortable. These wedges by kelly & katie totally fit the bill.



I actually bought them while we were out on our date night - we drove past DSW and couldn't resist - and wore them out of the store! So comfortable and so cute. That's win-win.