"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
This verse is sweet to me and during the past month, God has been working in my heart and life!
God has blessed me with a strong willed child! YEP that's right! The precious little girl you see in a million pictures is about as hard headed as they come!!! I am not a mom who spanks my child for EVERYTHING, and I probably should be a little more consistent in my discipline with Lola, but here lately God has shown me that there is more to raising your children and guiding them than with the palm of your hand or a wooden spoon. I have struggled with Lola's STRONG personality and it has even sent me to the doctor because I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown! REALLY!!! She is so hard headed and determined!!! (My mom says I am paying for my raising!) In all my tears and depression, it hit me about a month ago... If you are raising yourself, what is it that you wanted your parents to do with you that could have made life a little better!!! HELLO!!!
I begged for quality time!!! I wanted someone to be around me ALL the time! No, you didn't have to play with me, but just let your presence be known! I came from a split, busy, all girls, working parent home so it was hard for my parents to divide their attention. Both of my sisters were very involved in activities! God didn't give me much talent in the coordination department so I didn't cheer or tumble. The one thing I LOVED, piano, I just gave up on trying to play after 7 years of lessons.
After going to school and working with kids I realized God gave me creativity and a calling for children. He surprised me with my child, Lola, and I couldn't be happier! And he also has blessed me with the ability to care for her on a 24/7 basis! But for about 6 months I was getting very discouraged. She was taking control!!! I was trying to please her in all the wrong ways! She wanted attention so badly! I set out on a path for answers! Thanks to GOD I have found wonderful opportunities to spend time with her.
She will always be strong willed. I pray that through quality time I can TEACH her of the ways that are straight and the ways that are pure!
I pray that I can always be the shoulder for her to cry on and the hand to help her up! I pray that she will accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior one day and raise her children in the way of the Lord. I pray that the lives she touches will be blessed, and although she has a mind of her own, I pray I can teach her to be blessed by others!
During the holiday time I also pray that we don't focus of the gift receiving but the gift giving! That it's not about us, but about others and about the best gift, eternal life!
"In the same way, Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Upon seeking the Lord in prayer, He is giving me peace about raising Lola!
I have been a much better momma, wife, and friend!
I even went on a family vacation and I actually enjoyed myself!!!
We went to Branson and we had a blast! Lola got to see Santa (whom she is terribly afraid of) and even made a "HO HO" at Build a Bear! She saw lots of water (she loves water) and played very hard with her cousin! It was just a much needed get a way!
I must not leave out the best part of the vacation, we went to see the Dixie Stampede, and Lola was overwhelmed with JOY! She had a night filled with horses (new found LOVE) and even woke up the next morning ready to go back and see them again! ha
I just get so excited about Christmas! All the music and best of all, the opportunity to share Baby Jesus's birthday! We are ready to celebrate!
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" Luke 1:46b-47a
(Had to throw in the picture of her screaming because she saw Santa move...She is terrified of that jolly ole man!)
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! (I'm so behind!!!)
Last week we woke up to snow! It was beautiful!!!
Lola then decided that she needed to put on her pink shoes!!! Doesn't it go well with her outfit!!!! And the cat trying to get in the house!!! I think we have adopted our neighbors cat haha!!!
Happy Tuesday!!!
