My Dad

I have been blessed with many things in my life but above all I have been blessed with wonderful parents. Being an only child, in my case, really drew me closer to my parents. I have been devastated by the loss of my mom and I remember my dad saying, “It’s just us now – we gotta stick together.” Well, together we have stuck. We talk at least twice a day, every day and weather permitting we see each other every Sunday. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful father who instilled in me a love for the Lord and brought me up in the church but most importantly led by example. It is really impossible to teach your children how to do things “the right way” if they don’t see it lived out in your life as a parent. I was so blessed to have seen in my father “the right way.” He taught me to care about your actions. I never wanted to see “disappointment” in my father’s eyes (even though I am sure I disappointed him at times because I was disappointed in myself.) He taught me how to throw a football and catch like Joey Jones (for all of those who are not Alabama fans you will just have to look that one up.) He always told me “I could do it” and “you look pretty” every morning when I got ready for school or work. He gave me a love for country because he served his country. So this Memorial Day and this Father’s Day I salute the best Dad in the World, My Father – Thanks Dad!

New Parenting Resources

I am so excited about two new resources I have found recently. I am sure some of you have probably known about these for a long time but I have only recently stumbled upon it. I am so glad that I did. It has literally changed our daily routine at our house and has just given me a renewed confidence in what God has called me to do with my children. The resources are from http://www.thelearningparent.com/ and they are by Rick and Marilyn Boyer. I am sharing especially today because they have a coupon through May 27th. Check it out for yourself on their website. There are two that are my favorites.

Home is the basis for human society

I have begun a new study that was recommended by a friend and I came upon this passage at the very beginning of the book. It totally floored me how accurate the description was of our America today.

"Five Basic Reasons Why Great Civilizations Withered and Died (taken from The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon – 1788)

1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis for human society.
2. Higher and higher taxes; the spending of public money for free bread and circuses for the populace.
3. The made craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more brutal, more immoral.
4. The building of great armaments when the real enemy was within – the decay of individual responsibility.
5. The decay of religion; faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life, losing power to guide the people."

Uh oh! We are there people.

Become Amish?

As some of my friends know, I have, as of late, been immersing myself in Amish and Mennonite culture. I have been fascinated and have felt drawn to these lifestyles for a number of reasons. Who wouldn’t want an entire community that loved and supported you in your faith? Who wouldn’t want a strong work ethic among the young people, as well as the adults? Who wouldn’t want to know the “skills” that are becoming obsolete? Who wouldn’t want a rock solid faith that withstands the test of time and consequences? Who wouldn’t want to “stand out” for Christ? For me other than the not having electricity for my air conditioner – I do live in Alabama you know – and giving up my clothes, accessories, and make-up I would say where do I sign to become a Mennonite : ) So, I started reading an awesome book the other day called Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I highly recommend this book for everyone, whether you care about the Amish lifestyle or not. At the very beginning of the book she totally “hooked” me when she quoted an “Uncle Amos” article about becoming Amish. I thought it worthy to pass it along:

Become Amish?
“If you admire our faith, strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment, deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit, build your own. If you admire the simple life, cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values, live them yourself.”

Wow! That says it all. I think I will work on becoming Amish in my heart and maybe leave the rest alone for now ; - )

The Girl I Used to Be

The Girl
I Used To Be
by Rowena K. Lewis


She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be.

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye, and questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?

The great career, the splendid fame, all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height, with all of its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you, and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad, for I wanted her pleased with me.

This slender girl from the shadowy past, the girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay, innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;

That silken robe is my motherhood, of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls, for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl that I used to be.