Not always safe

My last post now seems more relevant. We Christian moms must stand together to fight off this immorality that is seeping into our children's lives.

I told you I would have some stories when I started this blog. Well here we go.....

Yesterday I got an email from my 8th grade daughters Health teacher who is also a coach. He requested the kids to watch "The Bachelor" on TV. My first reaction was "here we go again". I thought long and hard about my response. I'm trying not to jump on everything as an overprotective mom, but this was a moral issue. I had to stand up.

I sent an email to the teacher and told him that I saw no educational value in this show and it represents everything wrong with what our children see on TV. I want my daughter to be modest and not provocative and promiscuous. Same goes for the boys. I don't want my son going on national TV being a player.

I get a response, usually my correspondence with school staff starts with Mrs. and my last name. Not this time. I get Ma'am, what??? Um no, I'm a parent who should be respected with a Mr or Mrs. Whew, let that one go but it further reinforces my concerns. He next tells me that he wants them to watch the show to show how bad behavior and reality shows can effect their personal health. He also said he has kids and understands why we wouldn't let her watch the show and that he doesn't like the show.

Makes no sense to me. So he wouldn't let his own kids watch it so why should mine?

This brings me to my point. As parents we have to be aware and involved in what goes on in the classroom. Just because they are at school doesn't mean they are getting the same values taught to them. This reinforces my opinion we must be open with our kids so they will talk to us.

Kate made the decision on her own that she wanted to transfer out of the class and into art. This class is where they will discuss sex education. I don't think it was heading in the right direction. Next thing, um let's watch this part of a movie just so you know what "not" to do.

Doesn't work for me!

God's Children

1 Corinthians 1:10

I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.

What a powerful message from Paul in 1 Corinthians. We Christians were all baptized in the name of the father, son and holy spirit and believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins. We are very divided today in different faith traditions and labels.

Over time the churches have broken away to form new faiths taking and changing things that the leaders didn't like.

This is not the way Christ wanted it. Imagine the possibilities if we were all able to unite together as Christians regardless of the name on our church. We all believe in the fundamentals and read the same Bible.

As a Catholic many people ask if I am a Christian, I respond with "yes of course". I believe in the same Jesus and I pray to him just like you do. We differ in our traditions and Sunday services.

None of us here on Earth are given the duty to judge who gets in the gates of heaven and who doesn't. That is a task I'm thankful for. My children have been told they are not going to heaven because they are Catholic. Where does this come from? Parents.

I think twice before I offer judgement on other faiths. There are many things we do not know and understand about each other. Let's love one another.

I don't think heaven has lines that are labeled "Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Non-Denomination". We're all God's children let's work toward changing what we can with our families and children.

Vocation of Motherhood

A friend from my moms group at church forwarded this to me. Finally a good response for those questions "You stay at home..... What do you do all day?"

Click on the article to read.
It's the vocation of motherhood.

Our job as a stay at home mom is just as much a vocation (job) as those who choose to work outside the home.

Some people understand and some people don't.

Be proud of what you do. Raising children is a very important job!

Now back to work, I've got a baby crying who needs a bottle and a 3 year old who needs a snack. Makes me smile!!

Fireproof

This is a personal post very close to my heart. This is the journey of marriage. My husband and I have been married for 10 years in February.

To say it's been an easy road would be a big fat lie, but every down time was followed by learning, correcting and growing closer together in marriage.

Here we are a few years into our marriage in 2004. Here we are in 2010. A bit older and wiser.
We've had our up years and down years. I've thought I couldn't take anymore then somehow God gave us both strength to take one more day which turned into years.

One particular bad year where we were both at our breaking point. God put something in our path.... the movie "Fireproof".

I watched it and cried. It was exactly what we needed just at the right moment.

It was a new starting point for us. This was 2 years ago. Last year God presented us with another challenge. Bed rest for 10 weeks. I cursed and got really upset but it was a cross God brought to us.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? Yes, it does. My husband saw each and every duty that I did. He was to carry the heavy load of a new business and a household, plus a wife who needed to go to the Dr or hospital every few days.

He was right there next to me holding my hand when I thought and knew I just couldn't do or give anymore. With him I realized I could get through anything. What a change in perspective from 2 short years ago.

My biggest marriage savers were:

• Don't ever argue in front of the kids, take a breath and talk later. Cooling down helps things. I sometimes go get a glass of wine then discuss.
• When it comes to the children stand together, compromise.
• Say a prayer before you enter the home to see your spouse after a long day. Take a breath too.
• Take a date night away from the children.
• Spend at least 30 minutes each night talking about positive things without the kids. Remember why you fell in love with this person.
• Don't talk badly to your friends about your spouse, you can never take it back. Plus it will cause conflict between you and your friend.
• Go to church together and pray together.

My marriage is in a good place. Struggles and hardships have made us stronger together.

The seal to the family is a strong marriage. When your family stays together your children thrive in a safe and loving environment.

My husband is also my best friend. Josh, I love you!

Baptism

We had a very special occasion, our baby girl Caroline was baptized! Our dear friends Carrie and Jason served as her god parents. We feel very blessed to have them as friends!

As you know I was raised Baptist, the Catholic church differs in that we baptize infants. I won't go into the doctrine but our family felt called to have her baptized.

We were fortunate to have our priest (who we know very well) have the baptism during our regular mass on Sunday. It was very special because we were able to have friends who we attend church with be right there with us.

We made a profession that we will raise Caroline in the church and teach her about Jesus. We as parents are the children's first experience with God. We are the "domestic" church.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them" Matthew 18:30

We teach our children how to love God. We demonstrate it in our daily activities. We pray together as well as praying for others. Our children's eyes are constantly watching us. We must practice what we preach.

It's very important for us parents to take our role seriously of forming our children in our faiths. Regardless of your religions or church affiliations we are called by God to share with them Jesus and his works. Reading the bible and teaching them about sacred Scriptures is what is expected of his believers. On judgement day we will stand in front of God and we will answer for what we did and what we didn't do.

Each day is a new opportunity. The way we teach our children to love is to teach them of God's infinite love.

Life is Short

All this technology and blogging has opened up the world. Recently 2 bloggers who have in real life friends of mine have had my prayers. This pregnant young mother was killed in a car wreck. This young husband with a pregnant wife and kids died of heart problems. A fellow blogger Pennies on a Platter is donating all of her blog proceedes to the King family for January help out and visit this great food blog. Two very tragic stories. This is my 2011 New Years Resolution. It's more about the way I live life. I'm going to turn my glass over from half empty to half full.

It reminds me life is short,
Love God deeply,
Follow his word in your daily life,
Love and don't take a minute for granted with your family,
Don't regret think through your decisions first,
Say your sorry,
Don't waste your time,
Forgive and move on,
Count your blessings,
Smile more,
Laugh and enjoy life,
Learn when to move on.... it might not be in God's plan,
Play with your kids,
Use your nice china and crystal,
Burn the candles you've been saving,
Get rid of jeans that are too small...don't worry about trying to get back into them,
Tell your friends and family how special they are,
Don't let negative people bring you down,
You don't take anything with you.... not even your clothes,
Most of all enjoy each moment as it could be your last.

What you leave behind is your memory. Think about it.... if today was your last what would people remember? What is your legacy?

The next moment it a gift, now live life the way God intended it. Not selfishly but loving.

Blessings and Happy New Year.

Jen