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.

A Wise Woman Builds Her House

There is are two beautiful posts at A Wise Woman Builds Her House.

The first one I found was called On Things Hoped For... where a wise woman ponders her in-law children yet to be. Her daughter asks her - do you realize one day the size of our family will double? What a blessing that will be. She thinks on things yet to be...

• dinners with all the children and spouses
• helping with new grandbabies and new homes
• holidays together
• older sisters helping little sisters with their first gardens
• little brothers helping older brothers with their yard work

Imagine ... I get to gain 5 more daughters and 2 more sons!!! What joy. I am praying!! :-)

The second writing was so dear to my heart. One of my favorite quotes of all times is by Emilie Barnes (my Emily's namesake) saying "in the heart of most of us (women) is a little girl who longs to be a lady" (from The Spirit of Loveliness). So of course I couldn't help but love a writing titled How to be a Lady. The wise woman writes on the two aspects of being a lady - the outward and the inward.

Outwardly she shares that we should strive to ...

1. Carry ourselves with good posture not slouching.

2. Dress modestly.

3. Look clean and well kept (hair, nails, etc).

4. Clothes in good repair.

5. Dress femininely.

6. Smell lovely.

7. Peaceful countenance and joyful demeanor.

While inwardly striving for ...

1. A Gentle and Quiet Spirit

2. Love, joy, peace, patience

3. Discretion

4. Unselfishness

5. Purity

6. Humility

7. Kindness, Goodness and faithfulness

8. Self-control

9. Sobriety

10. Grace and mercy

11. Godly character

Wouldn't this world be a more wonderful place if only ...

Ways to Prevent Swine Flu

1. DON'T DO THIS!


2. SEE #1

I saw this picture at Kimberly's Cup and it made me smile...

Valentine's Day

It was the most beautiful Valentine's Day I can remember in a long time today.

Troy started the day with an Upward basketball game. He has been a volunteer coach for a third grade basketball team at church with his friend, Kellen. He has so enjoyed it. He loves children (wonder where he developed that love?)

Then tonight he went to his first formal with a good friend. I so love friendships.

Brenda was recently hurt by a friend and another friend stepped up and made her Valentine's day special. I think he probably touched my heart more by befriending her than he did hers. It's so hard to see your children hurt, but then so joyous to see them happy.

Artie and I went to dinner as Brenda babysat the littles for us; just basking in the joy of knowing our children were happy tonight. We have had many evenings out where sometimes it seemed like the worries of the day would have sunk us under if we had allowed them. But tonight was so different - very light and breezy and full of joy. We got to reminisce on our own prom nights (we had three of them) and growing up days. Its is such a blessing to be married to my best friend and to have grown up together as well. I loved him when he was just a boy and his daddy was driving us to the mall!!! Ohhh, love....

William Tell Overture

I can't remember who first showed this to me, but I think it's hilarious!!!! So true, so true. My girls have laughed and laughed.