Mother's Version of 1 Corinthians 13

MOTHER'S VERSION OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13

from the Above Rubies Newsletter

I can read bedtime stories, till the cow jumps over the moon and sing, "Ten Little Monkeys", until I want to call the doctor--but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger-but if I don't have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's 30 minutes past curfew.

Love is kind when my teen says "I hate you!"

Love does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new mini-van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.

Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities and love rejoices when other families succeed.

Love doesn't boast, even when I've multi-tasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.

Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks,
"What have you done today?"

Love does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.

Love is not easily angered when my 15-year-old acts like the world revolves around her.

Love does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my 17 year old that he's going 83 in a 55 mph zone, but rejoices in the truth.

Love does not give up hope.

Love always protects our children's self esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline.

Frugal Luxuries - I Once Heard a Story...

From Frugal Luxuries by Tracey McBride

Part I: Philosophy

Chapter 6: Sowing Seeds of Time and Grace

"I once heard a story about an immigrant family who, after arriving in this country, owned virtually nothing but the clothes on their backs. They were living in a tiny shack that had stood empty for years. When a group of charity workers came by with food for this family, they were startled by what they found inside the shack.

The first thing they noticed when the door was opened to them was the old wooden floor - it was scrubbed clean and gleaming from a wood wax. The smell of apples and cinnamon wafted through the air from a simmering pot set upon a circle of coals on the hearth. A gentle fire crackled in the old river-rock fireplace.

A large round table, in the center of the one room, was covered with a floor-length cloth of dark-green-and-white-checked gingham. (They later discovered the table was an over-sized spool discarded by a cable company.) The windows were clean and framed by simple curtains, made from the same green-and-white-checked fabric as the tablecloth. They hung, not from metal rods, but from thin branches of a willow tree.

The most amazing thing of all was an evergreen garland that graced the chipped plaster walls. It was composed of ordinary items from the local woods. Boughs of evergreen and pine-cones were tied onto a length of heavy twine with torn strips of the same gingham fabric. It was looped into swags and hung just under the ceiling. It looked for all the world like an expensive wallpaper border. The ladies from the aid society were asked to sit down on what looked like a small backless sofa with bright red cushions. In truth, it was a series of wooden fruit crates, draped in a loosely fitted slipcover made of the same green and white gingham. The lady of the house graciously offered a drink of fresh water to her visitors, while thanking them for their generous gifts to her family.

Perhaps this is an extreme example, yet it beautifully illustrates the philosophy of frugal luxuries. with their attitude in mind, let us face the tasks of living with joy and embellishing ordinary days with comfort, beauty, and a renewed faith in the fact that the most precious things in their life are those things that no amount of money can buy."

Astra by Grace Livingston Hill

She might be desolate and alone in the world, but He was her Saviour. She was glad she believed!

Back Again...

So, it's been ages since I've blogged. I started blogging as sort of a family album for our girls. So, guess it's time I get back at it. The kids are growing fast and this is about the only way I can begin to keep up.

Here's a run down on them all this week...

Artie - just got a new promotion at work. Lots of new stress and potential!! Today he's trading his work truck for an Explorer to drive. He will probably be late. We've got a spiral sliced ham waiting on him for supper.

Brian - living in Greenville in love with Lauren, a beautiful girl. Brian is turning 20 this year. It's such a hard age to have your whole life laid out before you and to narrow down all the opportunities. We continue to pray for God's leading in his choices.

Troy - growing in every way every day. Working hard at school and busily dating Tasha.

Brenda - seems to be the one growing up the most right now to me. Makes me a little sad as her mama to find my new role in her teenage life. Last night she came and got in bed with me and decided she wanted to wrestle!!!

Emily - doing the best in school she's ever done. Mrs. Byers is the perfect teacher for her. She is thriving in her class.

Stephen - working towards straight A's by the end of the year - a challenge his teacher said he was more than capable of hitting. We'll see - it's quite a challenge

Bobby - silly, silly, silly!!! I keep thinking of hearing Mark Lowery talk of how his mama was so loving to him with his own silliness and how God's used his lovely personality to lead others to Him. It's is so great how God uses us as we are and doesn't try to make us someone we're not. Wish I were so easily adaptable and gracious!!

Terry - lost his first tooth this week!!!

and Kelly - trying to overcome!!! Seems like I am battling between depression, high blood pressure and tiredness!!! I have begun reading the Bible through Chronologically and love it. I prayed for study time for so many years when the children were all little and home. I'm also working on a Spring Scrub with Brocante Home and it makes me and the house both happier!!

Elmo - if he doesn't learn how to potty outside - I am going to get rid of him!!!!!!!

Princess - adjusting to Bella

Bella - our pretty new calico cat that adopted us on a snowy weekend

I've got some pictures I can add in when Brenda uploads them for me....