Humble thoughts of a stay at home mom

2009-03-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

I made the best french toast I have ever tasted this morning!!! I found a recipe on www.blogchef.net that was great! The mixture that you dip your bread in isn't just eggs, but also has flour, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little bit of salt. I think I would lessen the sugar a bit next time so it's not as sweet, but it was DELICIOUS!!! Go check it out and try it sometime! yum!!!

The batter we dipped the bread in:

French toast cooking:

Yummy plate of french toast, garnished with
a little powdered sugar:

Where have I been??

2008-12-31T14:20:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's been over 3 months since I've last posted on here... so I thought it was about time I did so. I have various reasons for abandoning my blog for so long. One, I simply didn't have the time to continue with sicknesses, schooling, housework, etc. And two, I honestly was going through a rough spot in my walk with the Lord. So, I stopped writing for awhile in hopes to get myself back together and then begin anew. I hope to now do this, though I can't promise frequent postings as our home can be busy at times.

Right now in my walk with the Lord, He's been showing me through many ways how I (we) need to guard our 'gates' to the soul. (ie. our eyes, ears, mouths, etc) We recently took a trip to Kansas and it was ironic that the message was specifically about that! I was both convicted and blessed by it. And so many situations around me are proving how important this is! I am reminded of a song about this very topic that I believe is very powerful. Here are the lyrics:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

On another note... my kiddos are getting so big! Michaela is really enjoying school and reading so well! One day a week we do a few pages in her science and history books... and she LOVES that! I think science is her favorite subject, though she does love reading a lot too. It's so fun to see a child love school so much. I pray the Lord continues to give her a heart that loves to learn, and me the wisdom to teach her the right way.

Hannah is still my little energizer bunny, haha. She and Josiah can get into trouble if left on their own. She is learning a lot too. She's going through a preschool 'program' that she really enjoys. And she listens many times when I'm going through a reading lesson with Michaela. Every once in awhile when Michaela doesn't know a word, Hannah will start sounding it out. It's amazing how quickly they can catch on. The reading book I'm using is "How to Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" and I can't recommend it enough! A couple ladies from Kansas had recommended that book and I am so grateful!

Josiah has his "school" work too. It's basically an old preschool workbook that was given to me, so he can trace or color or do whatever on them. He likes to fit in with his sisters. He's also started copying (mostly) Hannah, and it drives her crazy! Though I do realize he's only wanting to be like her, I have been trying to teach him that it's not nice to copy what someone else is saying. So we're working on that one.

Caleb is growing so quickly and learning many things all at once. He just turned a year old and is just now starting to pull himself to a standing position. He says mama, dada, and just said 'shoes' the day before yesterday. I think he has said "JoJo" too, but it was hard to tell. He shakes his head 'no' and bobs his head up and down for yes or if he wants something. He points at everything he wants and also does the 'more' and 'please' signs. He loves to play and is just a happy baby. Right now he's playing "peek-a-boo" with Josiah around the oven and laughing. Such joys of being a mom.

The little one that the Lord is knitting in my womb is as active as ever! It's as if he or she is saying, "don't forget about me... I'm coming soon too!" Some days I wonder how I will juggle another little one in with the bunch, but I know the Lord will give me the strength I need when this little one arrives. That's why He's given me one at a time, and not all 5 at once. :)

Brian's been busy at work with the Christmas season. But hopefully things will settle down a bit since it's over now.

Well, that's a simple summary of what's going on here in the Jefferson household. I hope everyone who comes across this is growing in the Lord and staying well. As a friend just recently said, "Today I am beginning the journey of daily death to self." Then the Lord will be able to use, shape me, mold me, etc. May you join the journey with me and the Lord be glorified!! Amen.

At the kitchen sink

2008-09-10T12:06:00.006-04:00

I just caught myself up on a friend's blog and on her most recent post, she had this poem that I wanted to share with you all. How true it is!!

At the Kitchen Sink

Do we, I wonder, stop to think

How we need God’s grace at the kitchen sink?

It really isn’t fun

When you can’t get your dishes done.

For some folks need to fill their pans,

And others want to wash their hands;

The cook brings vegetables to scrub;

One sister has a cloth to rub;

Each little one keeps coming up

For a cold drink in a little cup.

You try to keep your water hot,

But cold drips in as well as not.

It takes a lot of prayer I think

To keep God’s grace at the kitchen sink,

Yet–I am glad that I can live

Among dear ones, who take and give.

There is a wondrous family link

Of love around the kitchen sink.

-Author unknown

More Pictures!!

2008-09-09T22:54:00.004-04:00

Hannah and Michaela - my girls growing up so quickly!

Caleb in the high chair.

Caleb being animated. See his teeth? He's got 6 now!

Caleb being rather curious about Josiah's cheek, ouch! haha.

At Second Glance

2008-09-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

Just the other day I ran out to Wal Mart for diapers. I had diapers and a couple other last minute items on my mind when I pulled into the parking lot. I saw a young guy get out of his car with his ball cap on, trying to look cool. Then he took it off. It hit me how much he then just looked like a normal guy. As I drove up and down a few lanes I observed a few more people. There was an elderly couple walking slowly back to their car, and a mother holding her childs hand walking along. I got Caleb out of the car and was on my way inside and was hit with all the different kinds of people there were in this one store all having their own agenda. Another young guy with baggy jeans and a fake limp, an elderly (maybe disabled?) lady sitting on a bench wiping her hand, and a poor-looking lady at the dvd machine. Then I believe God pressed something on my heart. EVERY SINGLE ONE of these people need Him! At first glace, they were just a bunch of people to dodge so I could quickly get to my goal: diapers. At second glance, they were individuals with their own hurts, needs, ambitions, etc. And they each need the Lord!! My attitude suddenly changed. I wanted to be kinder, gentler, and most of all a LIGHT! I am sad to admit that I didn't stop and talk with any of those people. Maybe I should have sat down next to the elderly lady and shown her my baby. And then maybe struck up a conversation about God? Maybe I should have went over to the poor-looking lady at the dvd machine and told her about God's love and provision - not just for our earthly needs, but for our SOULS! It's after the fact that I think of all I could have done, but maybe if I was more heavenly minded instead of focused on the daily *things* of life, then it would come more naturally. Lord, continue to give me Your eyes for all those who are lost and help me share the good news with them so they may come to you, repent, and receive all you have to offer them! Amen!!

Continued Sickness

2008-09-09T08:27:00.003-04:00

Well, today Brian went back to work and I'm on my own battling the sickness in our family. I'm praying that Hannah will not get this sickness. Michaela is continuing to feel nauseous and Josiah threw up last night. This morning he wants cereal, but I just don't think that would be good for him. Anyway, we have postponed our trip for probably 2 weeks to make sure everyone is completely well. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. I really do appreciate it.

Now, since I doubt I'll be able to sleep with the kids today (Caleb has been on an opposite sleep schedule lately) I may go make some coffee, haha. And I DO have some other thoughts that I'd like to post on here sometime soon. Until then...... God Bless! and stay healthy!!! :)

Started school!

2008-09-07T19:32:00.002-04:00

Yes, I have been non exsistent in the blogging world as of late. I have been trying to spend less time on the computer and more time taking care of my family and house. We started school this past Tuesday. We have a Tues - Sat schedule because of Brian's work schedule. I'm really excited about this school year. I feel very prepared, and I'm not uptight like I started out last year. I've come to realize that school is not a system of rigid text books that we need to get done and out of the way. On the contrary, it's to develope a love of learning and stems from there. My children are excited each day about school time, and I hope to keep it that way. I know it won't always be "fun", but even when there is hard work involved later on, I think it will still end with a good feeling of a job well done. I'm also excited with the propect of learning more through teaching. For example, Michaela is going through drill cards on addition. I've never actually memorized my addition. I usually mentally count up to get my answer. So it will be nice to learn along with her in different areas like this.

These past two days Michaela has had diarrhea and last night she vomitted. Today Josiah started with the diarrhea. So I pray that it stops there, and those two have a quick recovery. We have a trip planned this coming weekend and into next week... so please pray for us that this will run its course quickly. Thanks!! Leave me a quick comment and tell me how you all are doing (those who haven't given up on me already, haha)

good book!

2008-08-08T14:11:00.003-04:00

I have been reading a really good book (so far) by Jerry Bridges. It's called The Gospel for Real Life. He has a very easy to understand approach to explaining the gospel piece by piece. He also explains how the gospel isn't just for coming to Christ, but for our everyday lives! Here is a excerpt from the chapter that I just finished:

"Have you ever thought about what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind? I don't think any of us can fully plumb the depths of that commandment, but here are some obvious aspects:

-Your love for God transcends all other desires (see Exodus 20:3)
-Like David, you long to gaze upon His beauty and seek fellowship with Him (see Psalm 27:4)
-You rejoice in meditating on His Word, and like Jesus, you rise early to pray (see Psalm 119:97, Mark 1:35)
-You always delight to do His will, regardless of how difficult it may be (see Psalm 40:8)
-A regard for His glory governs and motivates everything you do--your eating and drinking, your working and playing, your buying and selling, your reading and speaking-- and dare I mention it, even your driving (see 1 Corinthians 10:31)
-You are never discouraged or frustrated by adverse circumstances because you are confident God is working all things together for your good (see Romans 8:28)
-You recognize his sovereignty in every event of your life and consequently receive both success and failure from His hand (see 1 Samuel 2:7, Salm 75:6-7)
-You are always content because you know He will never leave you or forsake you (see Hebrews 13:5)
-The first petition in the Lord's Prayer, "hallowed be your name," is the most important prayer you pray (see Matthew 6:9)

This description of the Great Commandment is obviously incomplete, but it is sufficient to show us all how woefully short we come in obeying it.

Now let's take a look at what Jesus called the second commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Among other things it would mean:

-You cherish for your neighbors the very same love that you bear toward yourself.
-In your dealings with them you never show selfishness, irritability, peevishness, or indifference.
-You take a genuine interest in their welfare and seek to promote their interests, honor, and well-being.
-You never regard them with a feeling of prideful superiority, nor do you ever talk about their failings.
-You never resent any wrongs they do to you, but instead are always ready to forgive.
-You always treat them as you would have them treat you.
-To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, you are always patient and kind, never envious or boastful, never proud or rude, never self-seeking. You are not easily angered, and you keep no record, even in your mind, of wrongs done to you.

Do you begin to grasp some of the implications of what it means to obey these two commandments? Most of us don't even think about them in the course of a day, let alone aspire to obey them. Instead we content ourselves with avoiding major outward sins and performing accepted Christian duties. And yet Jesus said that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

This sure was a convicting chapter!

Recent pictures

2008-08-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of Caleb I took yesterday. He was chewing on a frozen washcloth. I can't believe how big he's getting so quickly! He now has FOUR teeth!!

I took this picture of Josiah yesterday too. I thought it was cute. :)

Here's a picture from last month at the zoo. :) That was fun!

Death

2008-07-18T22:18:00.002-04:00

How do you explain death to a 4 year old? Today I got a call from a friend who told me one of her dogs died. I later explained to my girls that Tara had gotten really sick and died. I said they had to bury her so she's not there anymore. Hannah asked if they buried her in their yard. I said, no they buried her somewhere else. She asked if we could go there to see her then. I could tell she was a bit puzzled. So I explained that no, she's dead, so we can't see her anymore. She asked, "not anymore, at all?" I confirmed. Once she understood that Tara was not coming back, she began to cry. She said, "But Mommy, Tara was my friend!" I tried not to lose it myself. I said, "I know honey, but she was really sick." She replied, "But she liked me!" It absolutely broke my heart for her to cry in my arms and not know what to say to comfort her. Finally after she cried for a bit, I read both of them a story to get their minds off of it.

I had considered not telling them... at least not until the next time we went over there (which would be quite awhile since they live in another state). But I thought this would be a good experience for them. Yes, it is a painful experience, but I think it will begin to teach them that life does end on this earth. And hopefully it will get their minds going on what is after life. I have many good conversations to look forward to with my girls. (and boys) Life is short... we need to make sure we have our lives right with God!

Trite but true

2008-07-18T21:41:00.003-04:00

Remember when the big thing was "WWJD"? I think it became more so a fashion statement than anything else. Well I know with me, because of seeing "WWJD" so much, it lost its meaning. I've realized anew how important it is to ask myself if Jesus would some something specific that I am thinking of doing. I know I go way farther than most Christians... but I think it's really important to think on these things. Here are some things I've asked myself. And feel free to comment on any.

Would Jesus watch a TV show or movie with sinful material simply for the sake of entertainment? Isn't this the very thing he suffered and died on the cross for?? Don't you think it would grieve him to willingly watch those same things? And yet, why is it so easy to put that 'one part' aside for the sake of a 'good' show or movie?

Would Jesus simply ignore someone who says something inappropriate just for the sake of not being confrontational or in fear of jeopardizing a relationship?

Would Jesus clam up when there's a wide open door for evangelism for fear of stepping out of His comfort zone?

Would Jesus take part in a game where you seek to kill your opponent? or steal? or sin in any other way? There is definitely nothing funny about how He suffered for these very sins.

In Romans 6 it tells us not to offer any part of our body to sin, but rather offer it to God, in righteousness as those who have been brought from death to life. And Romans 12 (again) urges us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, HOLY and acceptable to God, and not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will be able to prove (or test) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. WOW.

Okay, maybe this is a pep talk for myself, but who knows if it can exhort any of the few other people who read this. I've realized that by asking that simple question, "What would Jesus Do" in more areas of my life.... it will be life altering. And that's exactly what God wants of me - my life altered to be more like Him. God help me to be more like You.

Going with the flow

2008-07-11T14:01:00.004-04:00

I was just thinking about a story that a friend of mine told my husband and me a year or two ago. He was on the highway, speeding a bit and was suddenly pulled over by a cop. He was frustrated because out of all the cars to pick that were speeding, the cop had to pick him. When the cop came and asked him why he was speeding, he replied, "I was just going with the flow." The african american cop laughed loudly yelling over to his partner, "This guy says he was just goin' with the flow."

Though I would probably be the frustrated driver in this scenario, I have come to realize that even though he was just 'going with the flow'.... it was still wrong. In the same way we as Christians would be wrong to go with the flow of the world. We are in the world but are NOT to be OF the world. I know a lot of Christians that have a different line of thinking than I do on this subject. But I truly believe that if we are NOT to be of the world, then we are to be different! That does mean that we aren't watching certain shows containing sinful things. (yes, even if we are not doing them ourselves) That does mean that we are not dressing how the world would dress. (immorally) That means we are not to have vain conversation containing inappropriate things. That means we as wives are to submit to our husbands, even when everyone else is putting their husbands down. We as mothers are to raise our children in a godly way, even when the world is letting their children run wild.

I know it is easy to get diverted, especially if we haven't been in the Word like we should be or in prayer. I know I catch myself wondering sometimes if I'm being too strict with my kids. Then I remind myself that if I'm requiring obedience out of my children and the world is NOT, then I am following what the Bible says concerning my children, not going with the flow of the world.

Romans 12:1 says, "I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service." So yes, that means we are to live HOLY, contrary to what the world teaches. Even though my friend got by with just a warning, there are bigger consequences than that for molding in with the world. We reflect our master.... so I should be looking more and more like Christ, not the other way around.

Before I was a mom

2008-07-09T22:25:00.003-04:00

This is an email that was sent to me awhile back and it touched my heart, so I wanted to share...

Before I was a Mom I never learned the words to a lullaby.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Drooled on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple little grin.
I never sat up for hours watching a baby sleep.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

And remember, behind every successful mom.... is a basket of dirty laundry. :)

blogging beginner

2008-07-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

After a lot of thinking, I've decided to start my own blog. A lot of times I have different thoughts that I'd like to write down and never get to it. Or sometimes I'd like to bounce an idea off of someone, but wind up just keeping the ideas to myself. So I went ahead and started this blog for those purposes as well as some rambling about my little ones. :)