Joyful Socks Mom: rise up

Showing posts with label rise up. Show all posts

3/7/13

Are You A Grudge-Holding Mommy?

Let us set the scene.

The child has been thoroughly and carefully instructed in behavior expectations during an important church event. Child confirms that they understand and will behave accordingly. Child then proceeds to embarrass parents at church event, and even after gentle reminders and verbal prompting, does not correct said behaviors. Ugh!

Yep, your kid just acted like, well . . . a kid!

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

What is your response? Gentle discipline? Heart-to-heart talk? Reach for God's Word?

Nope. None of the above. You get hacked-off and give your child the silent treatment for the entire day. You may even go for breaking the grudge-holding world record, if you feel like it!

When I say "you" of course, I mean your's truly . . . Also know as, well, me!

Let's just chalk this one up as something that the LORD is graciously still working on in me. You know, the whole grace and mercy thing. Just not my strong suit.

What I have learned over the years is to take a long look at myself, and my mental or emotional status when I have my child's behavior under the proverbial microscope. Low and behold, I typically find that I am the problem and most people don't really see the irritating behavior of my children. Just me.

How am I learning to cut-out the grudge holding?

Surrender: Realizing that I am not the end-all-beat-all parent is a big step in the right direction. I have to continually acknowledge that God is ultimately in control and He has a plan for my "goofy" kid. I am His "goofy" kid too . . . I guess that makes us even, right?

Relax: When I am seeing every little thing wrong in my child's behavior, it typically means I am looking for a fault. MAN, am I glad other's don't do me the way I do my kids some times! If my child is engaging in a behavior that neither hurts them, or someone else, mentally, physically or spiritually, than it is more than likely something that just annoys me. Let it ride! Just being still, enjoying fellowship, having a cup of tea, and generally not acknowledging my kid is in the same room is (sometimes, not always) a good idea.

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.org cc

Prayer: Praying continually and without ceasing. This is the greatest lesson of parenthood for me. Whispering sweet S.O.S's up to God is a faith building exercise that reminds us of what this is really all about. Him, His glory, His kid . . . not me.

Thankfulness: Tragedy happens. Life hurts. Bad things happen to good people. This is fact. I should be ever remembering and mindful of the blessings of having a kid. A good kid. A healthy kid. A kid who loves me. Others would give all that they have in this world to have that! I am thankful for my kids.

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

Do you struggle with the grudge-match too? Say a prayer for me, I'll be praying for you too!

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

2/27/13

When My Life Isn't Homeschool Picture Perfect: RISE UP

Well sister, if you were looking for perfection, you came to the wrong blog!

To quote my most entertaining dad, "Somethin' just ain't quite right about that girl. Boy howdy, I know that's right." ;)

He means it in the sweetest way possible, promise.

So, as I am encouraging you all to "RISE UP" to the challenge of homeschooling with a Christ-centered focus, let me be completely transparent about my epic fails in my own efforts. Here are some reasons my life has not been homeschool picture perfect this week:

Truly, I am the learn by-the-seat-of-my-~~pants~~ skirt, wait till the last minute, oops-I said I would take care of that, homeschool friend at times. This week, no exception!

My life is hectic at times (I know, you are saying, "like who's isn't?"). It takes a huge effort and all the grace that Jesus can bestow upon me to keep my mouth shut & just do what is kind. Had more than one hiccup with that this week.

My husband was ill with the stomach flu this week (yuck * I do not recommend). Bless his heart, it was bad. He gave me some lovely flowers to say thanks. . . I probably didn't deserve them. You know how "we wives" can feel about husbands whining when ill? Yep, that was me . . . in secret.

I had a mild temper flareup when my new hand crank grinder showed up at my door without any instructions. My handyman (hubby) was sick and I had to ACTUALLY wait 24 hours for it to be fixed. Not a big deal, right? Don't worry, I took it out on my prayer walk. Silly.

I slept late on Monday. Breakfast was WAY off schedule at 9:15 am and I did not get my lesson plans finished.

So, there you have it. Nothing tragic. Less than perfect. Still in one piece. Living on grace for the remainder of the week . . . and the rest of my life.

I am hanging on to the lovely words of Roxanne Parks, "Whatever the question is, Jesus is the answer."

Prayers for all of my sisters. Hoping you experience a joyful (even if it may be less than picture perfect) homeschool journey this week.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

2/25/13

10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend: RISE UP

We have all been there.
We have all done it.
We all have that "mommy-bear" that can rare up, unexpected and unwelcome. Getting offended can truly be just as painful to any by-standard close by, and just as hurtful as the offense.

The root issue? I take offense to what you did, said, or implied.

Is it right? No. Do I know it's not? Probably. Yet, there it is. I am offended! Now what?

RISE UP!

10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend:

1. Get Accountability! If getting easily offended tends to be an area of struggle for you, get yourself an accountability partner. A friend. An elder. A lady at church. Your spouse. Chat it out with someone who will not allow you to take it to a sinful, negative place. Do not confide in an individual that will allow you to gossip, or that will enable you to stay in this negative life pattern.

2. Stop Taking It Personal. It is totally feasible that whatever it is that is offending you is not about you, intended for you, nor directed at you. There, I said it, don't take offense. ;)

3. Walk A Mile In The Other Person's Shoes (or, Socks!). People are people. Always have been, always will be. They will sin, make mistakes, have bad days, suffer tragedy and lash out. Again, it is probably not about you. Give grace. Give a hug. Say a prayer. Write a letter. Now, move on.

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

4. Forgive Immediately, Then When You Remember, Forgive Again! and Again! and Again! Jesus did not ask us to forgive. He commanded it. Period.

Mark 11:25 - 26

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Luke 6:37

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Luke 17:4

"And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

5. Stop Taking People Literally. Face the fact that people, in general, myself included, are sarcastic in today's society. There lives literally revolve around themselves. They don't mean to be short, brash, blunt or rude . . . they just are. This is the perfect opportunity to practice grace.

6. Choose Joy. A close friend of mine and I were discussing this, in-depth, just last week. Choosing joy and choosing NOT to be offended is just as valid a choice as anger, resentment, offense, or un-forgiveness. The later are quick, fleshly responses we gravitate toward easily. (I'm wincing at my own statement there) The joy and not-being-easy-to-offend choices are fruit of the Spirit and require a faithful effort on your's and mine conscientiousness.

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

7. Give Yourself Some Grace. Look, we are going to mess-up . . . me especially. Give yourself some growing room to begin "turning the other cheek" and don't be surprised when you fall short. Be a big girl, suck-it-up (my dad's favorite advice), and keep moving.

8. Go Prayer Walking! Get in the habit at the end of the day, or anytime that is best for your schedule, to hit the sidewalk. Walking, praying and shedding your day's frustrations is therapeutic to your body, mind and spirit.

9. Give A Reward to Yourself! When you have gone God's way and have truly chosen to not be offended in a big situation, just give Him glory and do something good for you.

Okay, okay . . . maybe you would pick a different reward for yourself. That's cool. This is obviously what I would pick if I had my choice!

You don't have to be extravagant in rewarding yourself either. In fact, it would be better to keep it sweet and simple. Examples: Give yourself extra time reading, napping, or in the bubble bath.

10. Give it to God! Lay these anxieties at the cross of Jesus Christ and leave them there . . . P.S. That includes not picking them back up again tomorrow.

I know this can be a tough issue for many, and truly, what one of us has not been there? I am praying that the LORD would give you peace and His strength to help you (and I) lay this one down, so we can Rise Up in His greater service.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

2/22/13

10 Ways to Bless a Homeschool Mom: Rise Up

Truth be known, historically the winter is the absolute yuckiest time for my health and mental wellness. I am sure this is the case with many mommies, in general, not just home educators. Unfortunately for the home educator, this means that the children's learning in the home has a tendency to fall-through-the-cracks, or daily learning seems to suffer.

This is exactly why I was proactive this year and attended the Homeschool Winter Summit in Norman, OK. (Okay, so also because I love hanging with the ladies I caravan-ed with! Smockity Frocks, Kelly Wiggains, Marathon Mom and more.) I did come down with the flu while there (not an excellent combination. I do not recommend), but it wasn't an "epic fail" in the end.

I recognized that I must be actively moving toward encouragement and edification during this season of the year. I still ended up ill and in bed for two weeks straight, but having received new marching orders and a refreshed spirit, I was better able to maintain joy and focus. My kids remained consistent in studies and excellence, and I was a much pleasanter person to be around. Win, win, win situation.

Still, one has to stay completely proactive and walking in faith to maintain this kind of consistency until that first day of Spring!

With many situations in life's journey, it is important to lift-up others, rather than ourselves, in order to receive blessings from the LORD. We were just discussing this at length during our Christian Living Course on Wednesday night at church. When we help others it seems that the LORD is made more free to bless us in our own situation. In short, are you struggling in this area or have a need? Find someone in the same situation or that is struggling with the same need . . . then, bless that person. So, if you are struggling to make it to your Spring semester with you and your children intact, bless another home educator.

10 Ways to Bless a Homeschool Mom

Make a Freezer meal for that Oh man, I forgot that my family needs to eat EVERY night emergency that we have all encountered.
Take your friend's kids to the park, museum or skate-day while she does lesson plans, or, even better, takes a bubble bath.
Volunteer to do a Saturday Workshop to help your friend's kids with enrichment, or to get "caught up" in whatever subject is your specialty.
Run to the store and grab a homeschool "refill" supply pack. Example: pencils, notebook paper, pens, playing cards, dominoes, markers, crayons, and the most important POST IT NOTES.
Bless your friend with a Cleaning Day! Arrange a day that you can help your friend tackle those deep-cleaning, not-so-fun, housework issues that have gone to the wayside. MOVIE NIGHT at your house with for the kids and dads while you and your friend work.
Help with the joyous (sarcastic-tone) work of grading! Volunteer to take a big-fat, yes it's been sitting in one place since Christmas, pile of school work that needs graded. Oh, admit it, we've all done it.
Take time to write a note of encouragement. Stopping the business of life to put our edification to pen is a blessing to those who receive and those who give. Just let your friend know that you love her, we all have trials as mom and home educator, and just give her some reassurance. Visually seeing this is a blessing to any mom.
Bless her with books. Go to your local thrift store or used book store and stock up on books that fit her style of education, inspirational books or living books for the kids. Believe me, a home educator can never have enough books. ;)

9. Go shopping! No, you cannot leave the kids behind! Volunteer to do her grocery shopping for the week. Just one more thing she can cross off her to-do list.

10. Pray for your homeschool sister, and pray with her! Truly, this is the greatest blessing for your friend. Do not underestimate the power of Jesus interceding on your friend's behalf. God is still on the throne, and prayer still changes things!

Bottom-line? Take the time to be a blessing, you will never regret time taken to help someone else . . . Scout's honor.

As a home educator, what would be a big blessing to you?

Joyfully serving with you,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook!

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

2/19/13

How To Overcome The Daily Mommy Blahs: RISE UP

I am, without any stretch of the imagination, one of the world's worst mommy-procrastinators! I have absolutely no pride or shame in letting the laundry go . . . literally. Remember this picture . . .

YIKES!

There are beds to be made. Blah.

Dinner to be cooked. Blah.

Lesson Plans to be finished. Blah. Blah.

Dishes to be unloaded. Blah.

Chore charts to be completed. Blah.

Weeds to be pulled. Blah. Blah.

Monday! Blah.

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

What then is to be done, by mommy, when you live in a society that says you should "feel happy" and be instantly gratified by every single thing you do, everyday?!?

Let us reflect on the old adage, "What would Jesus do?". Cliche? Yes, but indulge me.

Read John 13.

"We see there the Incarnate God [Jesus Christ] doing the most desperate piece of drudgery, washing fishermen's feet [yuck!], and He says - 'If then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.' It requires the inspiration of God to go through drudgery with the light of God upon it." --- Oswald Chambers

Answer to overcoming the daily mommy blahs? Arise, and shine. Give God the glory!

Jesus Christ, can make the most common and ordinary action, beautiful and holy. Are you "feeling" life's drudgery today? Stop girl, and realize that your life is not about "feelings" but about giving glory to the One that made you.

Arise, get up and do that "thing" with the joy of the LORD in your heart, and His glory in your mind! (Yes, I will join you in well-doing, by doing my laundry . . . joyfully. Adios Mrs. Procrastination - you're fired.)

Colossians 3:23-24

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (KJV)

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

Take stock daily and give thanks.
Make that ordinary thing beautiful. As a bonus, your children will observe you doing this and will follow suit.

Praying for you, my dear friends and readers, that you will be moved toward the ordinary today and make it extra-ordinary, to the glory of God!

What is the blah thing you need to rise up and do today?

Joyfully Serving With You,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook!

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy: