Monday Meditations ~ What if Jesus were here today?

Ah, Monday . . . my dear friend. We meet again.


I decided about 6 months ago that I wanted to read the entire Bible so that I could finally read and understand Revelation. I have finished the New Testament, except Revelation. I still have about 13 books of the Old Testament to finish . . . many of them are quite short. I'm excited to be nearly finished. To be able to actually see the end of the road, so to speak, is quite inspiring.


As I have been reading, I've been flipping back and forth from OT to NT. Well, the only NT book I have left to read is Revelation and I'm saving that for last. So, I decided to re-read the Gospels.


As I began reading Matthew today, I began to think about what it must have been like to live when Jesus lived. To have Him walk up to you as you sit in your boat prepping for a day of fishing and say to you . . . drop what you are doing and follow Me. What would you do if Jesus were to walk up to you today as you were prepping for your day of work or school and say to you . . . drop what you are doing and follow Me? I'd like to think that I would drop what I was doing and follow Him . . . but would I? Would you? Think about the sacrifice that the 12 made to follow Him. They left their families, their livelihoods, everything they knew . . . to follow this man, who claimed to be the Son of God. I'm sure there were just as many skeptics then as there are now. Can you imagine what the disciples' families thought as they watched them give up everything to follow around this guy? I'm not too sure many, if any, of them knew exactly who they were dealing with. I mean . . . hello!?! Jesus was God in human form walking around the Earth He created! Do you think anyone really understood the depth of that? Do we?


So, as you go through your day today trying to prioritize the things on your to-do list, think about what you would do if Jesus walked up to you and asked you to drop it all. Is He high enough on your priority list to be able to do that? What/who is first on your list? What can you do today to make sure Jesus is #1?

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

Just for fun

I was piddling around this blog and thought this looked fun! Hope you enjoy!


A - Age: 32

B - Bed size: Queen 

C - Chore you hate: Laundry, the folding and putting away part

D - Dog's name: No dog right now . . .  :(

E - Essential start your day item: Bible and coffee

F - Favorite color: Purple (you never woulda guessed that, right!?!

G - Gold or Silver: silver or white gold

H - Height: 5'4"

I - Instruments you play: used to play trombone

J - Job title: Mom, Mommy, Mo-ooom, Mother, oh and wife, too

K - Kids: 2 girls 

L - Living arrangements: Apartment with my fabulous family

M - Mom's name: Mona

N - Nicknames: The hubs calls me Sweets

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Jaw surgery in '98

P - Pet Peeve: Ignorance and impatient people

Q - Quotation from a movie: "Lightbulb" Despicable Me

R - Right or left handed: Right 

S - Siblings: 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother 

T - Time you wake up: Uh, well my alarm goes of at 6 and I try to be up by 6:30, but there are days I don't get up until 7

U - Unique thing(s) about you:  I have a very hard time sitting and doing nothing. My brain must constantly be engaged in some way

V - Vegetable you dislike: There aren't any that I dislike, just some that I don't eat often . . . asparagus being on the top of that list

W - Ways you run late: The kids don't understand "hurry up" apparently to them it means "go as slow as possible"

X - X-rays you've had: Jaw, teeth, both arms and my foot

Y - Yummy food you make: If you ask my family, all of it . . . LOL But my specialty is Mississippi Mud Cake

Z - Zoo Favorite: The monkeys


Wanna share yours, too? Leave a comment with your link!


Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

Foodie Friday ~ Cake

Well, actually cupcakes, but who's checking? Big Girl's birthday was Wednesday and we had cupcakes to celebrate. I brought some to her school to share with her class and we also had some here at home as a family. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from then. Enjoy!

The best part of helping in the kitchen!

Never too old to blow out candles!

My silly girl!

My gorgeous hubby!

My Angel

She's crazy!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Justice

I've been reading this week in Jeremiah and I must say that this may be my favorite book I've read so far. I haven't read them all, but I'm working on it.


The prophecies of Jeremiah really show the heart of Father God. This book shows that God truly loves His children, Israel. It shows that He is dedicated. You see, He loved them enough to remove them from captivity in Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land. No matter how poorly Israel treated Him, God loved them. He loved them enough to discipline them when they did wrong . . . and boy did they ever do wrong. In the progression of the Old Testament, you see how poorly Israel treated God. You see just how many second chances He gave them. You also see that He is just. You see here in Jeremiah, that after so many second chances, God realizes He must discipline His beloved children.


I can also see the love He shows them after the discipline. Kinda like the hug after the spanking. At the end of Jeremiah 32, you see God's justice and His love. In verses 26-35 you see that He must, for the sake of Israel, discipline them . . . give them over to the Babylonians. For their sake? Yes. For all you parents out there, think about when your child does something wrong that requires you to discipline them. You don't want to, but you know you have to . . . for their sake. It's the same here. But when you discipline your children, you do it with love. You may remove a privilege from them or spank them, but you make sure they know that you love them still. That's exactly what God does here. In verses 36-44 God tells Jeremiah that He will once again restore Israel.


This is the same way that He feels about you and I today. He loves us, but must discipline us when we sin. But thankfully we have Jesus to help keep us in relationship with God. What about those who don't have Jesus? It hurts my heart to know that for some it may just take God pouring out His wrath on the Earth before they realize their sins and turn from them. It hurts my heart even more to know that some will have hearts so hard that no matter what happens, they will never choose to repent and turn to God. For them, it will be like the Israelites. He gave them so many second chances but still had to discipline them. And in that discipline, some of them perished without the hope of Heaven.


Therefore, I will not stop sharing this love that I have with others. Those I know who don't know God. Those I love whom I don't want to see go to hell. Those I don't know . . . whoever God tells me to share with. It is our responsibility as believers to share with everyone we encounter, the love that God has shown us. I dare you to . . . see how it changes you.


Thanks God . . .

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy Birthday

“[Doing Good to All] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

Thoughtful Tuesday

Have you ever stopped and thought, "wow, where did the time go?" I often find myself wondering where the last day has gone. It seems that the older I get, the faster time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was walking around very pregnant with my almost 11 year old. Where have those years gone? They seem like such a blur. I can remember many things, but sadly there are many things I don't remember. I wish I could just slow things down. . .just a little bit. I know I can't, so I'll just do my best to enjoy my time with my girls before they grow up and begin their own lives.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Monday Meditations ~ How much was your debt?

The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that we've all sinned. Yep, all of us. Me, you, your pastor, your most admired person. . .every one of us. If you have taken that leap of faith, as I have, to make Jesus Savior and Lord of your life, those sins are forgiven. Isn't that great!?!


I could end this post here, but what fun would that be? Ok, so we've all sinned and if we chose Jesus, we've been forgiven. So, what's the problem? Why are there so many Christians running around with that 'holier than thou' mentality? My theory? They got comfortable. Yes, comfortable. . .with their faith. Humor me for a minute, would ya?


Think back to that day when you first accepted Christ. Do you remember how you felt? I know for some of us it can be difficult to remember, because it was so long ago. But try. . .try to remember how you felt. Wasn't it amazing? I know it was for me. I was 24 when I began to follow Christ. I had lived in the world quite a bit. So, I had a lot to let go of. . .a lot to place at the foot of the cross. The burden that was lifted from me was tremendous, and I was certainly grateful. As time passes, we can sometimes begin to forget all those things that were forgiven. It's just like any other relationship. We get comfortable and can sometimes take for granted all that has been done for us. We begin to expect the grace and mercy that God shows us.


One of the things I pray on a regular basis, is that I never get so comfortable with my relationship with Christ that I forget where He found me and brought me from. The Word says that (paraphrased) we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) I think that is so we won't forget where He brought us from. I mean, think about it. How difficult is it to forget about your testimony when you are sharing it all the time? Hello!?!


Yesterday during worship at church, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God, ever so gently, reminded me of all those things He forgave me of. The big things, the small things, all of them. Not that I can really forget, but it's kinda nice to be reminded how much He loves me.


It's like that story of the woman with the alabaster box of oil found in Luke 7. Jesus goes over to a Pharisee's for dinner. This 'immoral woman' breaks into the dinner and sits at Jesus' feet and begins to weep. She washes Jesus' feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Then she pours out expensive oil on his feet. Now this is pretty significant because in Jesus' time they walked around in sandals. There weren't any paved roads or sewer systems. . .so you can imagine the filth that was on His feet. The Pharisees He's dining with kinda freak out that Jesus is letting this 'immoral woman' touch Him. So Jesus decided to tell them a little story. He asks them if there were someone with a $500 debt and someone with a $50 debt, and both debts were forgiven, which one would be more grateful. Well, duh. The $500 debtor of course, right?


Here's the thing. Your $50 debt may be a $500 debt to someone else and vice versa. So don't judge. When you see that 'fanatic' jumping around during worship, don't scoff. You don't know what God has forgiven them of. Don't judge other people's sins against yours. . .or anyone else's for that matter. The only One we should compare to is Jesus. Are we living like Jesus? Focus on yourself instead of others. How much was your debt? And how grateful are you that it was forgiven?


Here's a song that is just amazing in depicting this story. Take a listen and let me know what you think. I'm eager to read your comments!

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48

Change your focus...

As I've stated before, my Big Girl's birthday is soon. I decided to celebrate her and the things I love about her not only on her special day, but also the 10 days leading up to it. Get it? 11 days, 11 years old? Well, I have learned a few things through this process.


1. I've got a pretty fantastic kid. No really...she's smart, beautiful, funny, kind and most importantly, loves Jesus with all her heart! Who could ask for better!?!


2. I've got a bit of work to do to be the mom she needs me to be...I'm not trying to be negative, but I know there's much room for improvement...and I'm ready to work for it.


3. It's really hard to focus on negative things when you are looking for positive, good traits about someone. While thinking on things that I love about my Big Girl, I find nearly impossible to get irritated, annoyed or angry with her about the few things in her that aren't so positive. (not negative, just not the most positive)


I challenge you to try intentionally focusing on positive things/traits about a person with whom a relationship is not easy. Write something about the person each day and see if your focus doesn't change and the relationship becomes easier...and more pleasurable...for both parties.


Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Foodie Friday ~ Yumminess

If you remember last week's 'Foodie Friday' post, I was on a mission to find 5 new recipes to clear out my freezer. Well, today, I am here to share one that was absolutely divine. As in, it may just be my new favorite recipe! I know there are some out there who are vegetarian and those who choose to not eat pork...and if that's you, I'm sad to say that this is not a recipe for you. Sorry, I'll do my best to put things up that are for you, too. Until then, this one is for you my carnivorous friends!


Sage pork chops from Allrecipes, aka deliciousness! Oh, I usually don't follow recipes to the tee, but the only thing I changed was I used prepared chicken broth vs. water and bouillon...because that's what I was using for my side dish. These pork chops were sooo tender...my hubby requested them again...just in a larger quantity! LOL!


If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, feel free...I do love food...and I love to cook!


"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Church Home

Have you ever been at the place in your life where you feel like you don't belong...to anything? I've been there. It's not all that fun to be honest with you. There is an innate desire deep within all of us to belong. I believe it's no accident that the enemy loves to make us feel as if we don't belong. I think this is one of his strongest and most used tactics to pull us away from God.


During the time in my life when I felt like I belonged to nothing and no one, I spent my every moment (subconsciously) searching for that one place where I belonged...the one person to whom I belonged. I found where I thought I belonged, but I found myself still searching. Why? What was I searching for? 


God...


You know, hindsight is a pretty funny thing. I became a believer while my husband was deployed. Coincidence? I don't think so...now. I really didn't think much of it then. Looking back, I realize now that God had to remove what my life revolved around in order to get my attention...to rearrange my priorities. And I'm so thankful He did. I found Him. I found my faith. And I found a new family. I found my (then) church home. God brought me to the place where I was to learn the basics of this Christian life. I grew up Catholic and He had to basically erase all that I knew from that and give me a whole new belief system. The church home He brought me to at that point in my faith had (and they may still have) amazing discipleship programs for new believers. It was where I needed to be at the time.


I would love to tell you that we felt the Lord calling us away from that church to another, but sadly, the call of the enemy was the one we heard the loudest. We just kinda started missing a Sunday here and there until eventually we just stopped. Finally, about 2 years later, God gave a word to a dear friend of mine that HE was grieved that I wasn't worshipping with His body...that I was the missing piece of this new church home. (A church I had never been to before!) Again, coincidentally (HA!), my hubby was deployed...and so I went. Oh the first time I walked in those doors!! I knew I was home. And so we stayed...for the next 3 years. Until God called us, via the USAF, to The Falls.


So you can imagine how important it was for us to hear the voice of the Lord about where our new church home would be. We sought and we listened...and we heard. If you'd like to read more about that whole process, check it out here and here.


I feel that it is crucial, especially in these end times, that we meet together and uplift one another. . .and worship our Creator together! I've heard it said that 'going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car' and I would totally agree with that...but I also believe what the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." So I encourage you, if you don't have a church home, ask God where He wants you to be. If you do have one, take the time to encourage others and make them feel like they belong. I know I like belonging.


Thanks God...


Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

Wordless Wednesday ~ The dentist isn't fun

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Parenting

Just my random thought for the day...


Do you have that one thing that you can hover over your kids' heads that always works? You know, that one thing that they love and don't want to lose...or that one thing that they are so afraid of that they will do anything not to have to face it? Last night while playing games at a friends house, I learned that I am that one thing that some people use. You know, the "if you don't stop doing that I'm gonna let so-and-so have at you!" Yep, that's me...I'm the threat...LOL! I guess I can be a little stern and hard in comparison to others. I'm in no way offended by this! I think it's hilarious!! My philosophy, if it works, keep doing it!


“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Monday Meditations ~ Grace

Author's Note: Everyone being off today totally threw my schedule off...hence the late post. Anyhow, I decided to start each week off right with Monday Meditations. This is where I will choose either a Bible Scripture or biblical subject to meditate on for the day or week. Comments are, as always, welcome and encouraged. Let's get a good discussion going!


Here's my favorite definition of grace: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. (you can find more definitions here)


What does grace mean to me? Without God's grace, well, I would be going to hell in a handmade hand-basket. Romans 3:23 says, that "we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I interpret that to mean that without Jesus, I would never be able to go to heaven. I would never be able to have any sort of relationship with God. I would go to hell.


In reading elsewhere in the Bible, I have found that really and truly, none of us deserve anything but death and damnation. Now, I know we as humans categorize the severity of sin, but, God doesn't. Sin is sin, no matter how big or small. Sin separates us from God...period. I don't know about you, but being separated from the One who created me and sent His ONLY SON to die in my place doesn't sound like all that much fun.


Without grace, life wouldn't be worth much...to me anyway. I don't deserve it, but He loves me enough to give me His grace...WOW! How many times do we as humans fail to show even an inkling of this same grace to others...who either deserve it or not?


My challenge to you? Work at showing Grace to others. Those who do deserve it and those who don't. Those you love and those who drive you crazy. Those whose story you know and those whose story you don't know. You never know how much a small amount of grace can change a person's eternity.


I'd love to hear how God's grace has changed your life and how you showing grace to others has changed either you or them.


Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

Hanger Tags ~ Craft

One thing that makes our lives easier is picking out school clothes for the entire week. We try to do this on Sunday evening. Closet space is a precious commodity, so trying to keep the clothes separated is difficult. I had an idea a few weeks ago to make some tags to label each day's outfit. Paper wouldn't last long enough (not with my kids anyway) and I tried laminating it with clear contact paper. It could have worked except the paper curled...grrr. So I thought...hmmm, let's look at the craft store and see what we can find. They had door hanger kits, but there were only 9 in a package (I needed 10) and the foam was too thick. For the same price however, there was a package of 40 (thinner) foam sheets. I also found some sticky glittery letters. Well, with the combination of those and a few other items, we came up with this.

Finished Product

If you are interested, here's how we made them.

Step 1: choose your colors and cut each foam sheet in to 3 equal-ish parts.

They don't have to be perfect

Step 2: take one of the 3 sections and cut it in half.

Again, perfection isn't the point.

Step 3: find some circular object and trace around it to make the hole that the hangers will go through.

I found that pen works better than pencil

Cut out the circle

Step 4: decorate as you please. My girls had a blast doing this part :)

My Big Girl

My Angel

They had such a blast, I think they'll be more excited to sort their school clothes for the week. Hope y'all like it!


“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

Foodie Friday ~ Inventory

After reading some really great blog posts this week, I was inspired to do some inventorying. (Does that look like a strange word to anyone else but me?) I started with my pantry, because, let's face it, it was much less daunting than the freezer(s). Then, after a short (ok long) break, I tackled both of the freezers. What I found surprised me a bit. I mean, I knew I had lots of meats in there, but enough meats to cook 28, yes 28, dinners for my family of 4!?! Well, looks like I will be cooking from my freezer for at least this pay period. Which is a good thing, considering there aren't that many good sales on meat this week.


But what to cook? Not really sure on that one yet. I want to try to step outside the box a little bit and try some new recipes that are not only healthy, but tasty, too! So, my goal for today is to find at least 5 new recipes to try in the next couple of weeks. I've got to finish today so I can make my list and head to the grocery store tomorrow. If anyone has suggestions, please feel free to comment. :)


Here are some pictures of the 'after' of both the freezers. Didn't get a before because I just thought of it. Maybe next time. :)

Much more room now!

Lots 'o room and I know what's in there!

Do you hear an echo, echo, echo?

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:20-21

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Jesus

With this being my first 'thankful' post, I think it's only appropriate that it be the thing I'm most thankful for. My best friend...my hope...my joy...my Redeemer...my Savior...my Jesus. Boy, would I be an even bigger mess without Him...and I'm a pretty big mess right now.


While taking my girls to school this morning, we were listening to KLOVE. The news came on and there was lots of talk about the memorial service for those who lost their lives in the terrible shooting in AZ. Now, I don't normally listen to or watch the news because it usually makes me angry. Some of the things that make the news just appall me. And others, I wonder to myself, "How is this news?" Mostly, it just saddens me. It saddens me how much the enemy has perverted the world. It saddens me to see how many lost people there are out there. But at the same time, it brings a bit of gratefulness and thankfulness.


I'm grateful and thankful that I am no longer lost like many in the world. I'm thankful that Jesus came and met me where I was...and didn't leave me there. I'm grateful for the reminder of what He's done for me. It warms my heart to hear stories of others' triumph over sin in their lives.


After dropping the girls, the DJ's were doing a 'Headline of Your Life' segment and were taking calls from listeners. There was one in particular that moved me to tears. This caller (just so happened to?) called from Arizona. Her headline was something along the lines of...had the privilege to pray with her 78 year old mother to receive Christ as her Savior and Lord. I'm not kidding you, it moved me to tears...I was crying like a baby! (still am, actually) I love that the Lord knows just what I need. He didn't want me stewing on all those things wrong with the world. He didn't want me to be angry about the things on the news. He wants me to live a life focused on Him...so, He redirected me with this caller's headline.


Thanks God...


"that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

Wordless Wednesday

I have seen several blogs that have themes for different days and I think it's a great idea. One of my favorites is wordless Wednesday. So, I'm going to take a picture (or find one) that I feel expresses me in a nutshell each week. Without further ado, here's today's. (Mine won't truly be wordless, as I will still put a Scripture with the post)

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28

A whole lot to chew on and digest...

Wow, this whole blogging thing is way more intensive than I thought. Not that I plan on making any money with it, but sheesh! I was looking into ways to get more traffic to my site, and wow...just wow. If any of y'all reading out there have any suggestions, please share. I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment...LOL!


“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:5-6

Change on the horizon?

I've found a few fantastic blogs over the last few days that have inspired me. So, I'm thinking I might just be doing a bit more writing. About what? My life, duh...LOL! But specifically, I'm not too sure right now. I don't think my life is anything super spectacular, but I'm sure the authors of these blogs I found feel the same way...and yet, they inspired me. I love that God uses the most random things to speak to us exactly what He wants us to hear, when we need to hear it. So, I pray that the things He inspires me to write will somehow speak to someone in some way. (um does anyone else think that's a whole lot of 'some' words in a row...LOL) Blessings y'all!


But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Trial and error...a good parenting philosophy?

I am a mother to two young(ish) children. I say 'ish' because it feels as though the next time I close my eyes, I'm going to open them to find both of my daughters grown, married and with children...especially my oldest. She is on the threshold of tweendom...eek! Her birthday, as she keeps reminding me, is in 19 days. She will be 11. Where did those years go? She has grown into a very beautiful, talented, God-fearing young lady. This makes my heart smile! But, as with all things in life, with the ups come the downs.


She is my oldest. Every step she takes forward, we are taking together...for the first time. Her as a child/tween/teen, and me as a parent of said child/tween/teen. This journey is hard for her...but it's hard for me, too. What makes it even harder, for me, is that I feel as though I have to work so hard on having a relationship with her. Not because of the stage of life she is in, but it's always been this way. My bond with her doesn't feel natural. I don't know if it is because she is my first child. Or if it's because I was young when I had her. Or some combination of the both...but either way, I have to work hard at feeling connected to her. And I know if I feel this way, she does too...and that hurts me.


That being said, I've committed to working hard to make sure my children feel loved at home, by me. I know that this is crucial to their social development, education and spiritual growth. I want them to be successful adults who don't struggle in showing and receiving love to and/or from others. I began reading The Five Love Languages of Children a few years ago, but never got completely through it. After a rough time with my Big Girl, I decided to re-read it to help me show my children how much I love them. I was sure I had both of the girls figured out. I decided to give them a little quiz to pinpoint their primary love languages. Neither of their responses were exactly what I expected. Angel's were close, but Big Girl's were WAY different. I thought I wasn't expressing love to her in what I thought was her primary language. But what was really happening was I was wrong about her primary. Oy!


Now that I know which direction to go, I can try to better express my love to the girls. This will still be a difficult journey because their primary languages are not mine. I will have to step out of my comfort zone to show them I love them. But isn't that what parenting is all about? Being uncomfortable for the sake of your children's well-being? Leading by example?

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2