In past posts I have deliberately kept away from posting about daily happenings- But- this is so funny to me that I had to share it!
Our family has had its share of trouble with chore time. Well, not so much chore time per se, but the dividing of all the chores.
During a recent conversation with my oldest daughter, she was sharing how, um, sick and tired she was of kitchen duties EVERY DAY!!!
Wanting to connect with her heart and make strides in our mother/daughter relationship, I cried out to the Lord for a new idea for our family. Something that would fit our needs.
By this time you are wondering what is so funny...patience is a virtue, and reading is good for you too.
The next morning I sat at my computer and typed into a nice, orderly, two column format, a list of all jobs that must be done on a daily basis.
After printing this, I cut out each job into little strips. Then, I took envelopes and wrote each child's name on it, took a deep breath, and called ten children to my side!
They came arunnin'. Carefully, I handed each child their envelope, told them we were going to auction off the chores for the day. No money involved, just work!
I held up the first job and read it off, asked who wanted it! You should have seen them! Eager, (read LOUD) voices clamored for the first job to put in their "chore pack" envelope!
We finished "auctioning" off all the chores for the day and the children let out a whoop and ran to do them! They had the privilege of choosing their work for the day! (in case you were wondering, the big girls chose jobs other than kitchen duty)
The next day went as well as the first. Everything was going wonderful, until today came along...
My third born child decided to throw a monkey wrench into our plan. He got up this morning and raced to do the chores that used to be "his". Oh, the howls of dismay that went up, when the other children found out that some of the jobs were already done!
I listened as my oldest son threatened his little brother, "If you make that bed again, and clean up that room...I'll do all your jobs tomorrow and you won't get ANY JOBS to do!!! "
Now, this is the sound of success!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A quote for you...
There is a book written by George MacDonald originally published in 1879 as Sir Gibbie. It is now titled "The Baronet's Song". When I was a little girl my mom read this book to my sister and myself, oh, how we loved it!
Now, as an adult and mother, I've been reading it to my children. What a joy it has been to make this precious story come alive for them, and listen to them grasp the deep truths!
Sir Gibbie is a mute boy, who loves the Lord Jesus. This is a little quote that blessed me last night as I was reading to the children.
"In obedience to the suggestion of his wife, Mr. Sclater did what he could to show Sir Gilbert how mistaken he was in imagining he could fit his actions to the words of our Lord.
But in talking thus to Gibbie, the minister but rippled the air. He was too familiar with truth. The unseen Lord and His reported words were to Gibbie realities. He had never resolved to keep the words of the Lord; he just kept them. The effect of it all upon Gibbie was to send him to his room to his prayers, more eager than ever to keep the commandments of Him who had said, "If ye love me...." Comforted then and strengthened, he went down to go to Donal."
As I live from moment to moment, am I "resolving" to obey the words of the Lord? Or, am I simply KEEPING them? A verse we quote often around our house is James 4: 17.
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
Allowing the Word of God to change me, instead of trying to fit it into my preconceived ideas of right and wrong, good and bad. Not my way, but His way! Not my will, but His will!
Now, as an adult and mother, I've been reading it to my children. What a joy it has been to make this precious story come alive for them, and listen to them grasp the deep truths!
Sir Gibbie is a mute boy, who loves the Lord Jesus. This is a little quote that blessed me last night as I was reading to the children.
"In obedience to the suggestion of his wife, Mr. Sclater did what he could to show Sir Gilbert how mistaken he was in imagining he could fit his actions to the words of our Lord.
But in talking thus to Gibbie, the minister but rippled the air. He was too familiar with truth. The unseen Lord and His reported words were to Gibbie realities. He had never resolved to keep the words of the Lord; he just kept them. The effect of it all upon Gibbie was to send him to his room to his prayers, more eager than ever to keep the commandments of Him who had said, "If ye love me...." Comforted then and strengthened, he went down to go to Donal."
As I live from moment to moment, am I "resolving" to obey the words of the Lord? Or, am I simply KEEPING them? A verse we quote often around our house is James 4: 17.
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
Allowing the Word of God to change me, instead of trying to fit it into my preconceived ideas of right and wrong, good and bad. Not my way, but His way! Not my will, but His will!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ah, yes, a new year has begun.
Since new year resolutions and myself have never seen eye to eye, I have a new approach this year.
REVOLUTIONIZE, v.t.
1. To effect a change in the form of a political constitution; as, to revolutionize a government.
2. To effect an entire change of principles in.
The gospel, if received in truth, has revolutionized his soul.
Probably, one of the most important things in my life I ask the Lord to revolutionize is in the area of my thoughts.
II Corinthians 10:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things."
How incredibly beautiful! Only the Lord could come up with such a word picture, taking captive EVERY THOUGHT, and then making a complete list of what He wants in our minds.
Can you think of anything God should revolutionize in your life?
Since new year resolutions and myself have never seen eye to eye, I have a new approach this year.
New Year Revolutions!!!
I am asking the Lord to give me a revolution in compassion on people.
A revolution in submission...(this is personal folks...just between my patient husband and me)
These are a couple of my heart's desire. So, just what does revolutionize mean? Glad you asked.
Taken from my favorite dictionary, Websters 1828
REVOLUTIONIZE, v.t.
1. To effect a change in the form of a political constitution; as, to revolutionize a government.
2. To effect an entire change of principles in.
The gospel, if received in truth, has revolutionized his soul.
Probably, one of the most important things in my life I ask the Lord to revolutionize is in the area of my thoughts.
II Corinthians 10:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things."
How incredibly beautiful! Only the Lord could come up with such a word picture, taking captive EVERY THOUGHT, and then making a complete list of what He wants in our minds.
Can you think of anything God should revolutionize in your life?
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