Books

OK, so I am on a quest to become a better parent. I have never been a big reader, but have found that is one of the best ways to get practical information, especially in regards to kids. I have one book I read on the suggestion of a therapist about better discipline solutions and such. Now my church (have I mentioned I LOVE my church, lol) has started a study on the book The Five Love Languages of Children. They do book studies on Wednesday nights while the kids have Awanas. I have enjoyed all the books so far but I think I am going to learn the most from this book.
So anyway, this book tells you about how different people give and receive love differently. There are 5 main ways...gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time and physical touch. Kids really need all of them, but when there is an area that you can tell they respond better, then that is their "primary" love language. I am excited to learn what my kids are, so I can do better at expressing to them just how much I love them. It can also help me with the discipline, as I will know what forms of discipline will be possibly emotionally hurtful to them. I don't want my corrections to be hurtful to them, as the point is to correct negative behaviors, not to hurt them.
Anyway, just amazed at how much I have read in the last couple of months, more than I have in a long time, that's for sure! I probably will never love to read like some people do, but I sure do love to gather useful information!

Mercy Endures

That is the title of a new book written by my pastor. I am so excited to read it! He has been through so much with battling cancer and I know I can get a new perspective by reading it. I can't even imagine suffering as much as he has. His wife and children have been by his side through the last 7 years as he's battled it, as well as his entire congregation. We got good news this morning about the one type of cancer he has getting better even without treatment (they've been focused on treating the other) and soon he'll have tests run to see how the treatment for the other is coming. I sure hope that all the prayers for healing are answered. He's such a wonderful man and pastor!

Happy Un-iversary

Eleven years ago today, I stood before friends, family and a preacher and said "I do." I was apprehensive, but really thought I was marrying prince charming. Well, 11 years, 2 kids and one divorce later, I can say I firmly believe there is no such thing as prince charming. For many reasons, this marriage did not have a happy ending. I'll tell you, so you can guard yourself in your own relationships, selfishness and pride should have no place in any relationship.
So, today, I am celebrating my new life. Is it what I always wanted? No. Am I content? Mostly. I would say, there are a few times that I have pangs to be with someone. I think that's because that's all I've known. Well, I am not run by "primal" urges, so here I sit single, not dating, enjoying being me. I haven't really had much of a clue who I was for a long time, but I appreciate my discoveries. I know that rushing into anything with someone new would just be stupid. I am enjoying being a mom to my 2 girls, a cashier and whatever I can be to my friends. Most weeks, I don't have much time for talking on the phone and stuff like that, but I grab a few minutes here and a few minutes there to catch up on things with them. I am so glad to have the good friends I do! I have cultivated relationships with co-workers that I barely saw before now that I am on a new schedule. We have a blast nearly every lunch break! Though this is not my ideal job (you know, when I was young and impressionable), I really do love the people I work with.
Oh and my new church. LOVE IT! I love being able to wear what I am comfortable in and being accepted! I don't feel guilty anymore for listening to Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman and many more like them. I feel truly welcomed by the other members and have even been asked to join the choir. I don't know if I am going to do that, but I have a few weeks before that's even an option. Right now they are prepping for a big performance in April. March is a little too late to join and be prepared for an April performance, lol.
So, it's not so bad being unmarried. It's not so bad being just me. I never knew that before.

Urgent Prayer Request

I don't know how many readers my blog even has, but I have a pretty urgent prayer request for my sister-in-law's mom. She has been ill this last sick months or so, in and out of the hospital. Well, she's spent the last few weeks in the hospital and things are not looking good. I am not exactly sure what is causing all this, but there is fluid around her heart and lungs. Also she is having problems with the function of her kidneys and liver. The doctors say a few months and make her comfortable. I believe in miracles and the power of prayer, so please be praying for a miracle for Sharon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I was so excited for today! I had gotten some cheap shades/necklace/hat at Target to be festive. Wore the shades/necklace to work last night (the had has glitter in it and it made my head all green and sparkly when I wore it the other day).
Anyway, on my way home I heard this great song by Chris Rice on the radio.

Life Means So Much

Every day is a journal page
Every man holds a quill and ink
And there's plenty of room for writing in
All we do is believe and think
So will you compose a curse
Or will today bring the blessing
Fill the page with rhyming verse
Or some random sketching

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much

Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much

Has anybody ever lived who knew the value of a life
And don't you think giving is all
What proves the worth of yours and mine

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much

Every day is a gift you've been given
Make the most of the time every minute you're living