Lessons from Bo

Four years ago on March 15, Bo was born . Our first born little boy changed our lives forever!

I wanted to post this on his birthday, but we had had the flu and party preparations were behind, so I thought I would post it before March was over.

1. Life's no fun when your confined to your back or tummy. (Bo was a very discontent baby! As soon as he learned to walk his whole world opened up.)

2. Eat Well. (Bo has always been a big eater. He eats more than his dad at some meals. But a growing boy and a growing mind, need fuel.)

3. Don't create standards you can't live up too. (Actually that's biblical too, because its by grace we are saved through faith, not of ourselves, so no one can boast. When Bo was having some trouble with his behavior awhile back, I would say your not acting like a knight in shining armour and using your virtues. Bo said, "I'm not a knight, I'm just a boy." Boy, that made me feel terrible. Bo is just a boy and he seemed very exasperated. And I'm not supposed to exasperate my children.

4. Don't ask, if you really want help. (There have been a few times, that I have asked Bo if he could do me a favor and he says No, I'm busy right know.... Then we have to talk about the importance of helping those in need.)

5. The gospel is so easy a child can understand. (After hearing the story of Noah's Ark Bo asked me if God wanted to destroy him like he destroyed all of the other wicked people. No, I explained that's why he sent Jesus. Jesus will be our saviour when we ask him. Let's ask him mommy. I've already asked him, when you get ready you can ask him to be your saviour. I'm ready now mommy. And just like that my three year old prayed to receive Christ.

6. Mom's attitude is really bad, when its pointed out by a three year old. (It's very humbling to hear you little boy say mom are you angry or why did you go like this (blow under breath) A bad attitude is unacceptable.

What good is our service if we cancel it out with a bad attitude? We serve for God's applause, not the applause of others- Priscilla Shirer

Bo has taught me so much and I can't wait for all of the other lessons that are awaiting me...

Holli

Being Mindful of Gifts

Since we have all been sick and the remodeling is going on, I haven't taken the time to record the gifts God gives each day. I wanted to list a few that I am so thankful for...

76. restored health
77. the trees waiting patiently to burst into bloom
78. Chris taking are of things while I was sick in bed.
79. fresh strawberries and picnics
80. Shater's long strand of hair curling around her ear.
81. feeling Boo's hair on my cheek as I rocked him last night.
82. Bo's hug...freely given...meant so much

Everything

I have to admit that I have become increasingly upset with myself lately at my impatience and low frustration level that I have with my precious children. This is something that I have to change now!

It is unacceptable, because Christ is soooo very patient with me throughout all of my mistakes and disobedience. I still suffer discipline for my disobedience, when I harden my heart, but Christ still disciplines out of love for my good and his glory. He is more concerned with conforming me to the image of Christ, than my physical comfort.

So this morning I went straight to the source of truth on the matter: God's unchanging Word.
I found this treasure and cried out to him for help.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness

through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Through these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4

This verse lets me know right away living a life of godliness only comes through Christ's divine power. I cannot wake in the morning and be prepared to be a godly wife and mother through my own strength. According to God's Word, when I am weak, then I am strong (2Corinthians 12:10) There is just something about God, he loves to make himself strong on behalf of the weak.

Father God

You know me! You know that I need you to shed your love abroad in my heart for Chris, Bo, Boo and Shater. I have not been a very joyful mother lately. Forgive me and strengthen me through your power to minister to them. Give me a servant's heart. Just as Christ humbled himself and served his disciples by washing their feet; let me serve in this home because you have called me to the task. You are faithful! You are strong! I am not! I need You! Work through me today!

Still Learning...

Holli

We are sick

Chris came home from work Wednesday feeling really bad. I started getting sick yesterday along with Boo and Shater. Bo may be getting it today. I think it may be the flu.

On top of being sick, we are getting our bathroom remodeled downstairs and the workers were cutting some cement blocks and the downstairs door was open. We had the upstairs door open because it was a beautiful day Thursday. The dust from the blocks has covered our entire house!

So we have been trying to clean up the dust by cleaning carpets, mopping, washing all bedclothes, etc, while feeling bad. My regular housework is being left undone.

So look on the bright side:

We are finally getting our carpets cleaned.
and
our bathroom remodeled.

Hope to post some more soon!
Holli