Praising our children...a good reminder

"Borrowed" the following from a post by Dr. David Jeremiah.  Definately something to think about as we go through the "child-rearing" years and try to raise our children to be Christ like.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Colossians 3:21

The word "affirmation" is related to the word "firm." In affirming others,
we firm up their morale and confidence, and we encourage them in their
decisions and direction.

Our children need that, for their self-esteem depends on the feedback they
receive from us. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to do that. We can
strengthen our children by using phrases like: Good job! or Way to go!

We can affirm by appropriate touch--a  pat on the back or, tussle of the
hair can convey lots of love.

We can affirm with eye contact too. Try smiling at your child with your
eyes. We often convey discipline through our eyes; but we can also
communicate warmth and affirmation with our eyes.

We also affirm children by spending time with them and praying for them.
Children who are praised are like young plants lifting their leaves to the
sun. They are drawn to its warmth. We are all a bit like children--we need
to feel accepted and loved--even as Christ Himself unconditionally loved and
received us by His grace. Affirm someone today.
So very thankful for these gentle God-sent reminders to keep me on the right path.

Praise your children. Do not forever find fault with them. .... Whenever you
can, praise them.

Anonymous, from a nineteenth-century magazine

A Walk Down Memory Lane

As I was "catching" up the filing today, going through all the papers/bills/drawings etc, it occurred to me just how fast the years are passing. As I went to file away some old binders and things that I'll probably never need again, but am keeping "just in case" I came across the box with Rachel's christening portfolio in it. Was she ever that "little".  Unfortunately, back then I was in such a state of "adjustment" that I only vaguely remember the "early" days.  I was too busy trying to fit into the role of being a new mother and making sure that all her needs were met...that I feel like I 'missed"  those precious moments.  I was so hung up on making sure the house was in order, etc...that I didn't take the time to just sit and "enjoy the moments".  Now when I hold a little baby...I realize just how precious these moments are and how fast they pass.  Rachel wil start 1st grade in a few short weeks...FIRST GRADE!!! When the baby days were here...all I could do was "wish" for the days when she would walk, talk, be able to do things for herself...almost seven years later, I'd love to have the baby days back. I'm sure most of you share that sentiment.  Neediness has given way to independence, a mind of her own (that warrants trouble at times :-)) and a battle to hold onto the child while letting her grow into a young woman. 

As I was perusing the "chaos" that has built up in "office" I also happened across our wedding album...hard to believe we were ever that young and just beginning our life together. That couple has experienced a lot of "life" changes in 11 years...but only recently have I become more aware of how God used each of those "trials" in our lives to bring us to the here and now.  At times I am utterly amazed at my husband "sharing" at CG. Only God can do that. I could have never imagined it.  It's been a roller coaster ride through these years, but I know that God has a plan and it so neat to see what he'll do when you least expect it or are tired of trying to "fix it yourself" (because without God, it can't be fixed).

So, dear readers, tell me, do you ever walk down memory lane and look back and see how the Lord has used everything in your life to bring you to where you are now?

Please Stay Tuned

To my followers (all four of you...)

I have several posts brewing in my head...just haven't had the time or "clear" thought process to get them all out...so hang in there...I will be back when life settles down a bit. Thanks for not giving up on me...

Laura