Walk with the wise and you become wise… Proverbs 13:20
Last week we had a light dusting of snow first thing in the morning. Leaving for the bus stop, I advised Jocelyn to hold onto the railing as she went down our front steps. At six years of age, she thought she knew better. She stepped down without holding on. Of course she slipped on the icy layer hidden under the snow, and landed on her butt.See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
My sons, Zack and Mason, are the best of friends. People compliment me on it, as if I did something to create their amazing bond. Truth be told, I did nothing but give birth to them twenty-two months apart. I always presumed the closeness in age led to their closeness as brothers.
Since Jocelyn’s birth, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this. Without a doubt, she is the outsider, the third wheel to their dynamic duo. I don’t want that for her. I want her to have the spectacular gift of their deep sibling friendship.
Whatever your hand finds, do it with all your might…. Ecclesiastes 9:10
There’s a concert hall just one exit north of us called Tupelo Hall. It’s a funky little venue in a restored barn with BYOB and only 250 seats. I love the intimacy of it, and the musicians it draws. Usually they were big names once; now they’re on their way down in the fame game, but still just as amazing.
We went last Friday night. The opening act was the Jamie McLean Band. You have to figure that as the opening band, these musicians were looking to grow their audience, make a name for themselves. But as I watched the lead singer look around at all the gray hair in the room, I imagined him calculating the average age to be about fifty. Realizing that we weren’t the crowd that was going to catapult his career, he seemed to deflate a bit.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Zack is officially a “tweener.” He’s fulfilling that job description well by arguing with me over just about everything. It really rubs me the wrong way; I am the parent, after all.
Then I think about the mom I want to be. I want to be open minded and approachable. I want my kids to feel like they can talk to me about anything, ask me anything.
Do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:21
It took Mason forever to learn how to whistle. Now that he knows how, he’s making up for lost time. Being able to whistle both in and out, he whistles unceasingly, morning, noon, and night. He whistles while tying his shoes, doing his homework, making his bed, you name it.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6
One morning, back when my kids were probably seven, five and one, the stars magically aligned and I was able to make everyone’s bed before school. All day long, as I glimpsed those smooth surfaces, I felt a sense of peace and accomplishment. They were the only clear expanses in my otherwise messy and chaotic house. Wanting more of that, I set that as my daily goal.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shown. Isaiah 9:2
I love when the clocks fall back for daylight savings. I always thought it was because all that cold and darkness gives me a reason to hunker down and hibernate. It’s the time of year I don’t feel all the spring and summer pressure to get outside, create great adventures, and strive to “seize the day.”
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. Psalm 146:8
Every year I try to make Advent sacred. While they color her printable ornaments, I read Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping The Greatest Gift aloud to my kids each day. I also encourage them to do kind deeds for others to earn pieces of yarn to line the crib for Baby Jesus. Each night, we light the candles on our Advent wreath, yearning for the light that will be born on Christmas morning.
Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction. Proverbs 18:9
I hosted the Christmas gathering for my MOSAIC Moms Group’s last week. I love keeping company with such wonderful and like-minded women. In honor of the occasion, and with no need to drive, I was having my fair share of holiday drinks.
As I sat socializing in my family room, I saw Oreo, our indoor bunny who was supposed to be restricted to the bathroom, roaming free. I was so relaxed and comfortable. I couldn’t be bothered to set up barriers to keep him out of the carpeted living room and family room.
Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; in His arms He gathers the lamb. Isaiah 40:11
My sister-in-law, Kathy, is on hospice care. My husband, John, went to Maryland to see her and say goodbye, while I stayed behind in New Hampshire to be with our kids. John sent the text last night that Kathy didn’t have much time.
Shifting My Perspective 