Have you ever been around someone that just stands out? The
way they dress. The way they act. The way they carry themselves. The confidence
they portray.
Sometimes people stand out for the wrong reasons and that
is not what I am talking about here.
While volunteering at my sons
school one day several years ago I noticed this woman. She was very pretty, well
dressed and well groomed. You know the type. She walked with her head held high
and her shoulders back. She walked with confidence, like she knew who she was.
She stood out.
After some time I got to know this lady and in fact she now is one of my
very best friends. Since getting to know her I know why she stands out. I
now know why she carries herself with such confidence. I know why she holds her
head high and throws her shoulders back. And you know what? It has nothing to do
with the way she is dressed or groomed - though she likes to look nice and
presents herself that way. It is her inner beauty that stands out.
Proverbs 31:30 Says Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
That is what stands out
about this friend of mine. She loves The Lord and seeks to honor him with all
she does. And it shows.
I Peter 3:3-5
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves.
We are told in scripture that God looks at our hearts or our inner self and not our outward appearance. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
So my question to you dear reader is, What stands
out about you?
Do you spend time every day reading God's Word and getting to know Him better? Do you pray and communicate with Him often? Do you allow Him to speak to your heart with guidance and do you follow His leading? Is He Lord of your life and of your home? Do you reach out to the needy, the lost, the hurting? Do you offer hospitality to others?
17 Years and Counting
On Saturday my husband and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. We both feel like it's been longer (in a good way). lol It really is hard to remember life before we were together. We have been blessed with a great marriage. Is it perfect? Uhm, no but we love each other more today than we ever even knew was possible 17 years ago.
We celebrated by going on a date. We went out to dinner ALONE, all by ourselves. Our boys are not babies but we rarely go somewhere that we don't take them with us. I mean after all that is why I became a parent so I could spend time with my kids. But I realize that sometimes daddy and mommy just need a little alone time. So we did, we went on a date - the first one in probably 2 years. We went out to eat (and ate way too much) and then ended up at Wal-mart (why that always happens I do not know) but my husband bought me a new skirt and shirt for church so that was pretty exciting. I definitely think we need to start having date nights occasionally. It was good just to be alone with my man.
How about you? Do you and your husband go out on dates? If so, how often?
My Favortie Books on Prayer
Super excited to be joining up with Courtney from Women Living Well once again
this week as she counts down to the release of her new book by sharing some of
her inspiration for the book in her Top 10 Marriage and Motherhood Quotes Series. You can read about my favorite quotes on Praying For Our Children here and my favorite quote on Marriage here from the previous 2 weeks of the series.
Prayer is such an important part of a believers life. It is something we are told to do without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. While we can't pray ALL of the time we can do it often by simply living a life of prayer. What do I mean by that? Just be in a constant attitude of worship and prayer to our Father. I am not perfect at prayer but it is something very dear to me. I was not raised up being taught how to pray nor was it modeled in front of me which is probably one of the reasons I have so many books on the subject in an effort to learn as much as I can about prayer. What it is? What is its purpose? Who can do it? Why we do it and so on??
This is one of the reasons I am excited to share with you my favorite books on prayer. These books along with teaching from my Pastor and just praying myself have changed my life. You know the old saying practice makes perfect- well I am far from perfect but I am learning more all the time and the way we get better at doing a thing is by practicing it often - the same way someone would practice often at a particular sport or playing the piano, etc.
The books in my picture are the following:
7 Absolutes to Pray Over Your Kids by Blaine Bartel
Praying to Get Results and
The Art of Prayer - A Handbook on How to Pray by Kenneth E. Hagin
The following 8 books are all by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Husband
The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional
The Power of a Praying Wife
The Power of a Praying Parent
The Power of Praying Together
The Power of a Praying Woman
The Power of Praying Through the Bible
The Power of a Praying Life
A Woman's Call to Prayer - Making Your Desire to Pray a Reality by Elizabeth George
My Bible
A few of my favorite verses on prayer are:
Phillipians 4:6 says (Amplified) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Mark 11:24 Jesus says For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
Matthew 6:7 Jesus again teaching says And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.
Just talk plain. We don't have to use fancy words or be an awesome speaker to talk to our Heavenly Father. He desires for us to talk to him and have a relationship with Him.
The best teacher on how to pray is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 6:9-13 he says this:
You can read about my prayer journal/binder or my prayer card notebook that I wrote about in earlier posts by clicking the links. You can also click here to read my posts in an ongoing series I am working my way through using Stormie Omartian's book "The Power of a Praying Parent" or to read my post on Specific Prayer here.
Prayer is such an important part of a believers life. It is something we are told to do without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. While we can't pray ALL of the time we can do it often by simply living a life of prayer. What do I mean by that? Just be in a constant attitude of worship and prayer to our Father. I am not perfect at prayer but it is something very dear to me. I was not raised up being taught how to pray nor was it modeled in front of me which is probably one of the reasons I have so many books on the subject in an effort to learn as much as I can about prayer. What it is? What is its purpose? Who can do it? Why we do it and so on??
This is one of the reasons I am excited to share with you my favorite books on prayer. These books along with teaching from my Pastor and just praying myself have changed my life. You know the old saying practice makes perfect- well I am far from perfect but I am learning more all the time and the way we get better at doing a thing is by practicing it often - the same way someone would practice often at a particular sport or playing the piano, etc.
The books in my picture are the following:
7 Absolutes to Pray Over Your Kids by Blaine Bartel
Praying to Get Results and
The Art of Prayer - A Handbook on How to Pray by Kenneth E. Hagin
The following 8 books are all by Stormie Omartian
The Power of a Praying Husband
The Power of a Praying Wife Devotional
The Power of a Praying Wife
The Power of a Praying Parent
The Power of Praying Together
The Power of a Praying Woman
The Power of Praying Through the Bible
The Power of a Praying Life
A Woman's Call to Prayer - Making Your Desire to Pray a Reality by Elizabeth George
My Bible
I also have Stormie Omartian's Book "The Power of a Praying Teen" (not pictured because it is with my boys devotion books).
A few of my favorite verses on prayer are:
Phillipians 4:6 says (Amplified) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Mark 11:24 Jesus says For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
Matthew 6:7 Jesus again teaching says And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.
Just talk plain. We don't have to use fancy words or be an awesome speaker to talk to our Heavenly Father. He desires for us to talk to him and have a relationship with Him.
The best teacher on how to pray is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 6:9-13 he says this:
9 Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([a]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have [b]given up resentment against) our debtors.
13 And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
You can read about my prayer journal/binder or my prayer card notebook that I wrote about in earlier posts by clicking the links. You can also click here to read my posts in an ongoing series I am working my way through using Stormie Omartian's book "The Power of a Praying Parent" or to read my post on Specific Prayer here.
Summer Slump
It's the time of year where schedules shouldn't matter, fun is supposed to abound. Lazy days spent relaxing pool side, picnicing and doing what we want when we want. Right??? Apparently it's time to wake up from the fantasy world I am living in.
Because Summer is slipping by once again. Every year I have plans in my head of all the fun and great things I am going to do with my boys over their summer break from school and every year I fail miserably at making those plans a reality. Life gets in the way. Between family reunions, soccer conditioning and practices, church camp, summer mowing jobs for the boys and just normal everyday keeping the house in good working order, the frig and cabinets stocked, dinner on the table and laundry done it really doesn't leave a whole lot of idle time. Late nights turn into lazy days and My plans of going swimming 2 or 3 days a week, going to the free bowling or free movies each week, the local art museum, camping and camp fires along with several other ideas just don't seem to turn out the way I had hoped.
But then I remember back to my childhood and summer vacation. I was always so happy to be out of school for a while that it honestly didn't matter if I did anything but hang out at home, it was fun because I didn't have to wake early and go to school all day. Don't get me wrong either. I liked school and I graduated with honors but everyone needs some time off every now and then. And as I was lovingly reminded by a dear friend My boys are not complaining so obviously it doesn't matter that much to them and I am sure they are like I was years ago too and I am sure just having a break from the routine that grips our days most of the year is a relief.
I guess I am just in a Summer Slump. The days are passing by way too fast and another school year is looming on the horizon for my precious boys. With each passing summer brings the reality to this momma that her little boys are no longer little but are half grown men and I (**tears in my eyes**) am not ready for that. Not yet. I just want them to slow down and be "my babies" for a little while longer.
I do not want to bring anyone down with this post but I am feeling a little sad lately (it hits me every year about this time) but rather I want to encourage you as I am trying hard to encourage myself to make the most of each day with your children whether you homeschool or your kids go to public school - make the most of your days. And I don't even mean running from here to there trying to fill of their time with activities but rather just really connecting with your kids. Spend time talking with them and laughing with them. Sit down for a meal together and unplug from the world if only just for a moment to soak in these precious fleeting moments that are here today but will gone tomorrow. My bloggy friend Nan from Moms the Word blog says in her about me "My kids were ages one and five just yesterday. I know it. Somehow they just grew overnight." Her children are now grown young men in their twenties. I am on the other side of that statement a little bit and I can see the reality of her words very clear that soon I will be where she is and my boys fully grown. I don't want to look back with regret of not spending every moment possible enjoying my time with them.
Because Summer is slipping by once again. Every year I have plans in my head of all the fun and great things I am going to do with my boys over their summer break from school and every year I fail miserably at making those plans a reality. Life gets in the way. Between family reunions, soccer conditioning and practices, church camp, summer mowing jobs for the boys and just normal everyday keeping the house in good working order, the frig and cabinets stocked, dinner on the table and laundry done it really doesn't leave a whole lot of idle time. Late nights turn into lazy days and My plans of going swimming 2 or 3 days a week, going to the free bowling or free movies each week, the local art museum, camping and camp fires along with several other ideas just don't seem to turn out the way I had hoped.
But then I remember back to my childhood and summer vacation. I was always so happy to be out of school for a while that it honestly didn't matter if I did anything but hang out at home, it was fun because I didn't have to wake early and go to school all day. Don't get me wrong either. I liked school and I graduated with honors but everyone needs some time off every now and then. And as I was lovingly reminded by a dear friend My boys are not complaining so obviously it doesn't matter that much to them and I am sure they are like I was years ago too and I am sure just having a break from the routine that grips our days most of the year is a relief.
I guess I am just in a Summer Slump. The days are passing by way too fast and another school year is looming on the horizon for my precious boys. With each passing summer brings the reality to this momma that her little boys are no longer little but are half grown men and I (**tears in my eyes**) am not ready for that. Not yet. I just want them to slow down and be "my babies" for a little while longer.
I do not want to bring anyone down with this post but I am feeling a little sad lately (it hits me every year about this time) but rather I want to encourage you as I am trying hard to encourage myself to make the most of each day with your children whether you homeschool or your kids go to public school - make the most of your days. And I don't even mean running from here to there trying to fill of their time with activities but rather just really connecting with your kids. Spend time talking with them and laughing with them. Sit down for a meal together and unplug from the world if only just for a moment to soak in these precious fleeting moments that are here today but will gone tomorrow. My bloggy friend Nan from Moms the Word blog says in her about me "My kids were ages one and five just yesterday. I know it. Somehow they just grew overnight." Her children are now grown young men in their twenties. I am on the other side of that statement a little bit and I can see the reality of her words very clear that soon I will be where she is and my boys fully grown. I don't want to look back with regret of not spending every moment possible enjoying my time with them.
How to get a good photo of Humming birds.
First of all let me start by saying that I am not an expert or a professional photographer. I do enjoy nature and birds and
taking pictures of them.
My top tips to getting a good photo of hummers are:
•patience
•patience
•patience
Did I mention patience? Ok seriously
it does take a lot of PATIENCE.
Seriously though here are my top 5 tips for getting a good photo of a humming bird.
1. Get to know your birds- sit outside and allow them to get familiar with you. Be a frequent visitor to the area where your feeder is located. Sit on your porch, deck or in your yard often and allow them to buzz around you. Talk to them. I know, sounds silly but I really do this. When I am hanging my feeders, pulling weeds or messing in my flowers and they come close I talk to them. Last year my husband was able to video me holding my humming bird feeder while they ate right out of my hand.
2. Patience - Be prepared to sit and wait. Getting a good picture of any bird requires sitting still and having some patience. You could get lucky but normally you are not going to be able to go outside, get a good pic and be done within 5 minutes. Try early morning, late evening or after a rain - that is when I have the biggest abundance of birds in my yard.
4. Make an inviting place for them. Plant colorful flowers in your landscape of all varieties. They will love them.
5. Keep feeders clean and filled. Usually my hummers empty my feeders pretty quickly so they stayed washed and filled regularly but you need to remember that the sugar water nectar will sour and mold will grow inside your feeder so keep them washed up and filled with fresh nectar at least every 2 weeks, especially in warm weather.
I have read that "real photographers" find their hummers in nature and do not bait them in with feeders. I do not have time to find them in nature and I am perfectly ok with baiting them in to get the shot. In my opinion there is no difference in a picture taken in my yard of a hummer or one found out in the woods.
And please don't get hung up on the type of camera you have. Even a small camera will do if you are patient. Oh yea, I said that word again. I took the picture below with this simple little camera that I carry in my purse last summer. I don't have any great expensive camera with zoom lenses that cost more than camera itself. I use either the one pictured below or another one similar to it that does have a little better zoom. Both are basic point and shoot - Canon power shots.
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So there you have my top tips for taking a good photo of humming birds. Do you take pics of nature? Of birds? Of humming birds? Do you have any you would like to share? If so, leave a comment with the link to your picture for us all to see.
Do You Pray For Your Children?
I am linking up this week again with Courtney Joseph from Women Living Well for her series on Top Ten Quotes on Marriage and Motherhood.
This week I wanted to share several passages out of one of my all time favorite books. This book has helped me find just the right prayer to pray for my boys many times. If you are a parent then you definitely need this book.
The book is The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. I have an ongoing series here on my blog that I started nearly a year ago where I go through this book chapter by chapter. Stormie's book is packed full of powerful information and scripture to stand on while praying our children through life.
Here are my top five favorite quotes taken out of Chapter 1 - yep, it's that good. The following quotes are taken from the first chapter of the book.
"For it's the power of God that penetrates a child's life when a parent prays."
"When we don't pray, it's like saying we have no need of anything outside of ourselves."
"God knows our thoughts and our needs, but He responds to our prayers."
"It's not enough to pray only for the concerns of the moment; we need to pray for the future, and we need to pray against the effects of past events."
"In fact, we don't even have to be parents. We can be a friend, a teacher, a grandparent, an aunt, a cousin, a neighbor, a guardian, or even a stranger with a heart of compassion or concern for a child. The child may be someone we hear of or read about in the newspaper; the child may even be an adult for whom we have a mother's or father's heart. If you're aware of a child who doesn't have a praying parent, you can step into the gap right now and answer that need. You can effect a change in the life of any child you care about. All it takes is a heart that says, "God, show me how to pray in a way that will make a difference in this child's life." Then begin with the prayers in this book and see where the Holy Spirit leads you."
So my question to you this week: "Do You Pray For Your Children?"
My Favorite Quote on Marriage
I am joining up with Courtney Joseph from Women Living Well this week for her Top 10 Marriage and Motherhood quotes.
I have been out of commission these past few days and am still recovering from what I guess is my sinus' bothering me but resulted in my having a migraine and being flat of my back in bed for a few days. Prayers for a full recovery and speedy healing are appreciated (momma's don't get sick days you know). I am on the mend but moving slowly still so for today I am only giving you my absolute favorite quote on marriage. I have more but am not feeling like making this long so maybe one day in the future that can be another post.
It is from a book called Capture His Heart by Lysa Terkeurst. I have actually heard her use this quote several times before but in this book she gives credit to it coming from her Pastor at the time Rob Singleton.
When talking about people seeing the grass as being greener on the other side of the fence and them wanting to jump the fence and abandon their marriage commitment he gave this quote
"The grass isn't greener on that side or this side. The grass is greener where you water and fertilize it".
Lysa then goes on to say that she can't think of a better way to water and fertilize our marriages than with the Word of God.
What is your favorite quote on marriage?
All About Jesus - Not About You!
It's all about Him anyway - not about you!
Recently at church I overheard a young man talking with one of our Associate Pastors about why he had not been singing in the choir lately. While I didn't hear all of the conversation, I heard enough and watched this young mans body language to know that he was upset because he had been missing for whatever reason and the Praise Leader had not come to ask him about why he was gone or encourage him to come back. The Pastor he was talking to told him that he should be singing for Jesus and not because of anyone else.
How true? It's all about Jesus! Not about us. If we are working in the ministry to be seen of people then the condition of our hearts need some work.
Why are you doing it? Who are you working for?
Are you teaching that Sunday school class to get praises from the parents of the children you are shepherding? Are you singing in the choir so that the entire congregation will see you up front and know what a splendid voice you have?
Let's take this a step further. Why are you going to church? Because your parents did? Or because you have been taught it's what you are supposed to do?
Colossians 1:16 says we were created for God. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Because we were created by Him and for Him maybe we should do what
Colossians 3:23-24 says Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Don't get me wrong, I know what this young man is feeling. I am not proud to say this but I have in the past been right where he is now. Feeling hurt because someone didn't notice all the work I had done. But the Bible reminds us in these passages that we should not be doing it for the praises of men or to be seen but we should do everything, (not just at church) EVERYTHING as if we are working for the Lord. The verse says Whatever you do and this includes your marriage, how you raise your children, your housework and your job if you work outside of the home.
Are you working for the Lord?
No More Barely Enough.
Despite all of my many written routines, cleaning charts, schedules, and lists I have found myself in a state of doing Barely Enough.
What do I mean by barely enough? Basically doing just barely enough to get by. Laundry has been done on an "as needed" basis. Grocery shopping has consisted of many quick trips to pick up stuff for dinner today or breakfast tomorrow. Menu's and actual grocery lists haven't existed. House work has been done in a mad dash during the hour before my husband arrives home from work.
If I was working a job outside of my home where I had to clock in, work a certain amount of time and actually show progress in my work - I would be FIRED!
I am thankful that my husband is a patient man. Patient with me and the lack of progress going on inside of our home. I am not sure exactly why I been this way lately. Lazy, I guess. What I do know is the lack of organization and having things in order is really stressing me out. Also, the Lord has really been dealing with me about how well I have been taking care of my home. I definitley have not been doing everything heartily as unto the Lord. Don't misunderstand, we are not living in a pig pen but the busy-ness of life the past few months has resulted in extra clutter piles and a lot of routine maintainence being neglected.
What do I mean by barely enough? Basically doing just barely enough to get by. Laundry has been done on an "as needed" basis. Grocery shopping has consisted of many quick trips to pick up stuff for dinner today or breakfast tomorrow. Menu's and actual grocery lists haven't existed. House work has been done in a mad dash during the hour before my husband arrives home from work.
If I was working a job outside of my home where I had to clock in, work a certain amount of time and actually show progress in my work - I would be FIRED!
I am thankful that my husband is a patient man. Patient with me and the lack of progress going on inside of our home. I am not sure exactly why I been this way lately. Lazy, I guess. What I do know is the lack of organization and having things in order is really stressing me out. Also, the Lord has really been dealing with me about how well I have been taking care of my home. I definitley have not been doing everything heartily as unto the Lord. Don't misunderstand, we are not living in a pig pen but the busy-ness of life the past few months has resulted in extra clutter piles and a lot of routine maintainence being neglected.
Just the other day this was the scene as I sat on my porch with my family binder, notebook and some old printed off notes from Fly Lady trying to re-vamp my daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning plans. My husband joked and asked why I was reading Fly Lady when all I really needed to do was go get out Mr. Clean. lol He was right but I like having a plan, a list to go by. I just work better when I do. Having a plan that works is the key though. So get ready as I soon will be re-posting my cleaning plans and schedules. No more barely enough!
What about you? Do you like to have lists and a written plan for what you want to accomplish each day, week and month in your home? Do you stick to them?
Free Printable Marriage Prayer
Hop on over to the Time-Warp Wife's blog for a printable copy of this beautiful prayer.
Vacation Menu Planning
A few days before we left for our vacation I jotted down quickly on a piece of scrap paper a menu for the days we would be gone. My mother laughed at me saying that I really wouldn't be on vacation if I was still having to cook. Yes I would have enjoyed a "vacation from cooking" but we always do this. When we go somewhere, anywhere even if it is a soccer game an hour a way I will pack up a cooler with sandwich stuff for our dinner.
To make my menu as simple as possible - because after all it is vacation I used some of my ready made foods and I also made up some things before we left.
For example:
Breakfast
I took along a package of pop tarts and a bag of cereal (we bought milk once we arrived) BUT I made up a double batch of my homemade biscuits and enough sausage patties to go along with the biscuits before I left. I also pulled two loaves of Friendship bread out of my freezer.
Lunch
I have to admit because we tended to sleep a little later and were out driving and sightseeing so much we skipped lunch most days but I took along the fixings for ham and cheese sandwiches on the days we did eat lunch.
Dinner
From out of my freezer I took a bag of frozen spaghetti sauce, hotdog sauce, and taco meat. For spaghetti night all I had to do was warm up the sauce and make our pasta. We had hotdogs a couple evenings (one over a camp fire) but all I had to do was warm up the hotdogs and sauce. And on taco night I just warmed the meat and chopped my veggies. We ate good food that filled us up and saved a lot of $$ in the process.
It wasn't really all that hard either because of the prep work that I had done at home.
What about you? Do you generally eat out while on vacation or do you cook? If you cook do you take along already prepared foods?
To make my menu as simple as possible - because after all it is vacation I used some of my ready made foods and I also made up some things before we left.
For example:
Breakfast
I took along a package of pop tarts and a bag of cereal (we bought milk once we arrived) BUT I made up a double batch of my homemade biscuits and enough sausage patties to go along with the biscuits before I left. I also pulled two loaves of Friendship bread out of my freezer.
Lunch
I have to admit because we tended to sleep a little later and were out driving and sightseeing so much we skipped lunch most days but I took along the fixings for ham and cheese sandwiches on the days we did eat lunch.
Dinner
From out of my freezer I took a bag of frozen spaghetti sauce, hotdog sauce, and taco meat. For spaghetti night all I had to do was warm up the sauce and make our pasta. We had hotdogs a couple evenings (one over a camp fire) but all I had to do was warm up the hotdogs and sauce. And on taco night I just warmed the meat and chopped my veggies. We ate good food that filled us up and saved a lot of $$ in the process.
It wasn't really all that hard either because of the prep work that I had done at home.
What about you? Do you generally eat out while on vacation or do you cook? If you cook do you take along already prepared foods?
Teens and Dating - What Exactly Does "Hanging Out" Mean Anyway?
When approaching my husband and I about dating one of the questions we were asked was "Could we hang out". And then again my son would ask, "mom can we hang out? she just wants to hang out".
So, being the clever mom I am I asked him "What exactly does hanging out mean anyway?"
My sons response, "I don't know".
If you do not know what hanging out means or what you will be doing while hanging out then why in the world do you think we would allow you to do it?
I am a mom but what our children forget is that we were once teenagers too. The same wants, desires and temptations existed then and I see from the end looking backwards where I went wrong. I see decisions that I made that were not good in any way, not honoring of my parents and definitely not Glorifying to God. I know what can happen when innocent "hanging out" is the plan. I am sure that many of you do too.
It is our job as parents to protect our children. To keep them from harm. To help them not make the same bad decisions and mistakes that some of us made before them. Hormones are running wild in teenagers - so wild they are unable to think straight and make good decisions. It is my job as a mom to help them make good choices.
Please don't take me wrong, it is not that I don't trust my children. I believe my son when he says he wouldn't do anything he shouldn't BUT I am not so naive to think that things can't just happen. I believe what he says (he believes it too), but having never been in a situation he doesn't know or fully understand what he is telling me he won't do.
Do you allow your teens to just "hang out" with their boyfriend or girlfriend?
Read more posts about Teens and Dating by clicking below.
Teens and Dating - Throw Away Relationship
Teens and Dating - Group Dating Verses Double Dating
Teens and Dating - When is it ok?
So, being the clever mom I am I asked him "What exactly does hanging out mean anyway?"
My sons response, "I don't know".
If you do not know what hanging out means or what you will be doing while hanging out then why in the world do you think we would allow you to do it?
Hanging out could mean:
sitting on the couch watching tv
taking a walk
playing a video game
going to the movies
spending time with friends or family
spending time with friends or family
Or it could mean the following possibly combined with any of the above possibilities:
sitting on couch alone together
holding hands
hugging
cuddling
kissing
inappropriate touching
I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT WHAT ELSE IT COULD MEAN!
I am a mom but what our children forget is that we were once teenagers too. The same wants, desires and temptations existed then and I see from the end looking backwards where I went wrong. I see decisions that I made that were not good in any way, not honoring of my parents and definitely not Glorifying to God. I know what can happen when innocent "hanging out" is the plan. I am sure that many of you do too.
It is our job as parents to protect our children. To keep them from harm. To help them not make the same bad decisions and mistakes that some of us made before them. Hormones are running wild in teenagers - so wild they are unable to think straight and make good decisions. It is my job as a mom to help them make good choices.
Please don't take me wrong, it is not that I don't trust my children. I believe my son when he says he wouldn't do anything he shouldn't BUT I am not so naive to think that things can't just happen. I believe what he says (he believes it too), but having never been in a situation he doesn't know or fully understand what he is telling me he won't do.
Do you allow your teens to just "hang out" with their boyfriend or girlfriend?
Read more posts about Teens and Dating by clicking below.
Teens and Dating - Throw Away Relationship
Teens and Dating - Group Dating Verses Double Dating
Teens and Dating - When is it ok?
Potato & Kielbasa Bake
This weeks recipe is one that can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is simple to make and tastes yummy. And best of all it's only 4 ingredients.
Potatoes
Green onions
Kielbasa Sausage
Cheddar Cheese
Peel and chop your potatoes for frying and add them to a skillet with oil. Next chop and add onions and sausage. Fry until potatoes are done. I usually drain mine on a paper towel at this point to attempt to get rid of some of the oil.
Then you simply put your potato mixture in a baking pan and cover it with cheddar cheese. Pop it in the oven on 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and Serve.
Teens and Dating - The Throw Away Relationship
Why do parents think it is ok for their teenagers to have multiple relationships filled with fighting, heartache, pain and breakups?
I know that some people who date as teenagers do stay together and get married and lead long, healthy and prosperous lives BUT in a country where the Divorce rate even among Christian couples is over 50 % the chances of this happening are frankly slim to none.
I was a teen that dated in high school. I dated one guy primarily for most of my high school career. Did I suffer through countless fights, heartaches, pains and breakups? YES, yes I did. Am I married to that person today? No, no I am not. Thank You JESUS!
It is socially acceptable today to date many people and when you are tired of them or disagree with them to just break up and throw that relationship away. This teaches our children and teens that when times get tough or situations that are hard arise it's ok to walk away. It's ok to leave. It's ok to move on to someone else. Someone prettier, healthier, wealthier, smarter,....
It sets their hearts up for a throw away relationship later in life. I am not suggesting that all teens who date many people then get married will end up in divorce by no means. I am one of those teens and I am happily married to my best friend. The man God placed in my life. He is stuck with me for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, in skinniness and fatness, with beautiful hair and hair that's turning grey.
But it does send the message that when you don't get along it's ok to move on. Why not just wait and PRAY. Pray for God to send you the right person when it's time and COMMIT to staying pure in mind, heart, body and spirit until that person presents his/herself to you.
Why not teach our children to pray for their future spouses? To pray that they also stay pure in mind, heart, body and spirit until the time when God puts them together so that neither of them carry the hurt, pain and baggage from previous relationships into the new one.
Do you pray for your childrens future spouse? I have to admit this used to be a concept I thought was crazy because who's thinking about your children getting married when they are babies or toddlers or better yet when they are in your womb? God is. He has all of their days planned out already. If He thinks it's important we probably should too.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Jerimiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
More on Teens and Dating:
Group Dating Verses Double Dating
When is it ok?
I know that some people who date as teenagers do stay together and get married and lead long, healthy and prosperous lives BUT in a country where the Divorce rate even among Christian couples is over 50 % the chances of this happening are frankly slim to none.
I was a teen that dated in high school. I dated one guy primarily for most of my high school career. Did I suffer through countless fights, heartaches, pains and breakups? YES, yes I did. Am I married to that person today? No, no I am not. Thank You JESUS!
It is socially acceptable today to date many people and when you are tired of them or disagree with them to just break up and throw that relationship away. This teaches our children and teens that when times get tough or situations that are hard arise it's ok to walk away. It's ok to leave. It's ok to move on to someone else. Someone prettier, healthier, wealthier, smarter,....
It sets their hearts up for a throw away relationship later in life. I am not suggesting that all teens who date many people then get married will end up in divorce by no means. I am one of those teens and I am happily married to my best friend. The man God placed in my life. He is stuck with me for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, in skinniness and fatness, with beautiful hair and hair that's turning grey.
But it does send the message that when you don't get along it's ok to move on. Why not just wait and PRAY. Pray for God to send you the right person when it's time and COMMIT to staying pure in mind, heart, body and spirit until that person presents his/herself to you.
Why not teach our children to pray for their future spouses? To pray that they also stay pure in mind, heart, body and spirit until the time when God puts them together so that neither of them carry the hurt, pain and baggage from previous relationships into the new one.
Do you pray for your childrens future spouse? I have to admit this used to be a concept I thought was crazy because who's thinking about your children getting married when they are babies or toddlers or better yet when they are in your womb? God is. He has all of their days planned out already. If He thinks it's important we probably should too.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Jerimiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
More on Teens and Dating:
Group Dating Verses Double Dating
When is it ok?
Teens and Dating - Group Dating Verses Double Dating
What's the difference anyway?
I recently did a post on Teens and Dating - When is it ok? If you read that post you will know that we do not think young teens are emotionally, physically, spiritually or mentally mature enough to go out on dates.
When my son figured out (for the moment because I am sure he will ask us more in the future) but when he figured out that we were not giving in to him "hanging out" or going on a date to the movies with his "girl friend" he began asking about group dating. Group dating because his dad and I have told him when he is a little older that we would be ok with him going on a "group date". I explained to him that we did not mean he could group date right now - again he is only 14 - but that in the future before he is allowed to really date we would consider "group dating" with some close friends. He continued on in his asking and I began to see what it was that he thought, assumed, hoped group dating was.
To my son and probably many other young teens out there to go on a group date meant him, his girlfriend and another couple they were friends with. Huh? No, No, NO, NO! That is a DOUBLE DATE I told him. A double date is when a group of 4 friends who happen to be 2 sets of couples go out on a date.
A Group Date is when a group of friends, emotionally unattached to each other except in friendship go somewhere together and spend time as friends having fun. A group of friends that love each other as if they were brothers and sisters.
Moms, help me out here - Do you see a difference in a double date and a group date? Do you allow your children to Group Date? If so, what age did you start allowing this?
I recently did a post on Teens and Dating - When is it ok? If you read that post you will know that we do not think young teens are emotionally, physically, spiritually or mentally mature enough to go out on dates.
When my son figured out (for the moment because I am sure he will ask us more in the future) but when he figured out that we were not giving in to him "hanging out" or going on a date to the movies with his "girl friend" he began asking about group dating. Group dating because his dad and I have told him when he is a little older that we would be ok with him going on a "group date". I explained to him that we did not mean he could group date right now - again he is only 14 - but that in the future before he is allowed to really date we would consider "group dating" with some close friends. He continued on in his asking and I began to see what it was that he thought, assumed, hoped group dating was.
To my son and probably many other young teens out there to go on a group date meant him, his girlfriend and another couple they were friends with. Huh? No, No, NO, NO! That is a DOUBLE DATE I told him. A double date is when a group of 4 friends who happen to be 2 sets of couples go out on a date.
A Group Date is when a group of friends, emotionally unattached to each other except in friendship go somewhere together and spend time as friends having fun. A group of friends that love each other as if they were brothers and sisters.
Moms, help me out here - Do you see a difference in a double date and a group date? Do you allow your children to Group Date? If so, what age did you start allowing this?
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