by Kimberly | Feb 12, 2016 | Books, parenting
One of the biggest delights I get as a mommy to littles is their “wow” or the “oooooh” when they see new things. Or how they exclaim “the lions” when they know we are going to the zoo. Or when my little is watching How To Train Your Dragon and he pretends he is a dinosaur breathing fire.
Their little imaginations are fantastic.
And I want to help them be adventurers with their imaginations. So, we color, and read, and watch cartoons to help them learn to see new worlds. We go to the zoo to help them learn about animals. We go to parks to play with friends who might not look exactly like us.
I want to take them to see the world…some day. But until then maybe we can just pray for missionaries who are serving Jesus around the world. And eat guacamole with the hopes of going Mexico one day (wait, that may be a dream of mine to return to the country that gives me my favorite appetizer).
The new book that Tommy Nelson sent me – just in time for Valentine’s Day – is all about you, your little love, and the many adventurers you will have. Here are some examples from the book and how you can do them in your own home or with your own little love:
“Stars shimmer in the sky” – when we leave the gym and if it is dark, we look at the sky and try to find the moon. Maybe we’ll see some stars. I want to tell them how God created all we see and he created them for his glory and our good.
“What happy paths we’ll take” – getting out and getting physical activity is not only fun but also healthy. There are several trails around our city and we like exploring them and finding sticks, rock, leaves, and bugs (I have boys, right?).
“Our friends will tag along.” – This is a great one to start insisting to your children that the friends they make will influence them. This is an important message in the Proverbs.
“We’ll look at mirrored faces” – We go to a local pond and look in the water. We waive at ourselves. This is a good point to make: our outward countenance should reflect what is in our heart. Like the songs says, I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart…”
“We’ll smell the pretty roses.” – This would be a good investment: teach your children to love on others by simple acts of kindness – like bringing flowers to widows in your neighborhood or church, or to single mothers (especially this time of year), or bring donuts! Yum. Just teach them to be a blessing to others – even with a homemade card. Some friends were watching our boys yesterday and my boys delivered homemade valentines when they returned to our house. What a sweet gesture.
“We fold our hands to pray.” – Our littler boy – when we go to pray at the dinner table, bows his head and folds his hands. That’s the cutest little clasp. But, I love it, so sweet. I pray that he will grow up to love Jesus with all his heart, even more than he loves cookies and balls.
God has a great adventure awaiting your child. Help them see it. What is something you like doing with your toddler to help them be on an adventure. Answer this question and I’ll a book to give away to one winner. Will pick it on Sunday!
by Kimberly | Feb 4, 2016 | Books, creatives
This post is not about the early Sunday School years. This post is about the craze of adult coloring books (really, made for women because I don’t know any males that would sit around and color in a coloring book – though if you are out there and you enjoy it – then by all means, continue).
Something I’ve been thinking about recently is how our minds can be so deceived. When you are binge watching a show – that may affect your ability to think rationally. The last month I’ve been watching a show called Chasing Life. I would not recommend it but that is a post for another day – but what it did to my mind was awful. The days before I left for a recent trip to visit friends I was so fearful that I was never going to see my husband or children again. And I had to convince myself that if death for me was going to happen that wknd than that was God’s better plan. (The show was all about cancer and dying and what life is all about). My mister was quick to respond to my fears with challenging me to dwell on faith and the Word of God.
So, what are you to do when all you want to do is something that doesn’t require much energy. Sit and color. The best part about coloring books is finding one filled with Scripture. What a better way to fulfill Colossians 3 and Philippians 4 then coloring hope-filled verses from the Word?
Waterbrook Press just published one called Whatever is Lovely. For me it is not only a chance to be creative but keep the creative juices flowing in my own lettering. Thanks Blogging for Books for the chance to review this one and all thoughts are my own.
by Kimberly | Feb 4, 2016 | Books
Processed with VSCOko review,
Sometimes yall, life is a little bit crazy. Ok – sometimes life is a lot crazy. Can anyone relate?
Our lives as a little family have felt like this since we day we returned from our honeymoon. But, now we are again in an extra chaotic season of having to move and not knowing where in the world we are going. Our townhome that we’ve been renting in ATL for two years is going up for sale in oh, say, 24 days. And our lease is up the end of April. And we have two toddlers. And yeah – so there you have it. Another move. Another change.
Well, even though our lives may be chaotic, and at times our home, my life doesn’t have to be chaotic. Between lettering, photo shoots, spring break, packing, and then normal weekly activities, an early Easter, potty training – yes, life is crazy.
Shannon Upton, in her new book Building Your House, has given me great encouragement, grace, and instruction on how to be a wise mom who builds a God-centered home. (Thank you Shannon for the book, btw) When my mister and I were dating, he asked me what I thought of the verse in Proverbs that says “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” I just thought that meant keeping things clean.
Oh, how much I had to learn. I knew it meant other things – but didn’t realize the importance of all those little things. 4.5 years into marriage, I am realizing it even more.
Shannon gives you helpful DOABLE tips on how to keep from cluttering up your soul, your home, and your life. Prayer is the key – but prayer isn’t all. There are certain activities you must do. But, with these to -do items, she gives grace, practical tips, spiritual reasons that might be at the heart of why you need to do these things (like dealing with materialism and why you hoard possessions or idolatry or fear of man when you are too busy to do what needs to be done.)
This book can even be a great tool for new moms or women in your church because she includes a study guide – and I’ve found that being around women who will encourage me with ways to keep my home and keep my family on track is very rewarding.
On that note, I need to check on my eggs that are boiling on the stove so I can eat lunch here at 1:20pm.
by Kimberly | Jan 16, 2016 | Books
Ok – little known fact about me – I really love brunch food. Savory, sweet, eggs, bacon, really good bread, fruits, syrup. I mean – what’s not to love? And I love sipping warm drinks with ones you love. I love the relationships that come with brunch!
But, seriously – who wants to get up for all that good stuff at 6am and cook it to eat it that early? I think that is why brunch is spectacular. You can have all the food you love – just at a normal hour.
And I have two fave male chefs on Food Network: Bobby and Tyler. And this blog post is all about Bobby’s new book, Brunch at Bobby’s – which I got from Blogging for Books.
I could make every seriously make every single recipe – and I so want to. So, who is the first person coming over? The pictures are great, the recipes are unique (and some normal favorites with a Bobby spin).
So, here are some ones that are right at the top of the list:
Chilis Rellenos
Caramelized Onion, Spinach and Gruyere Strata
Gingerbread Pumpkin Waffles (gotta make these quick before we get to spring)
Citrus Blueberry Salad
Cast Iron Potatoes
And many more…need more opportunities to cook brunch!
by Kimberly | Jan 11, 2016 | Books
The most popular devotion in the last 5 years is by far Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
And here are some posts that explain why I don’t use this for my devotions. One two and here is one for the kids version.
But, I know everyone doesn’t believe the same about this. I know many who use it and are encouraged by it.
Tommy Nelson gave me the chance to give away both the devotional and the kids version.
Why it would be helpful? You and your kids can be on the same page each day of the year with what you are reading. You can learn the same Bible verses. Hear the same truth.
Here is my caution: if you are reading it – and having your kids read it as well – at least be aware of the cautions that people give it. Think through these thoughts. Then, decide for yourself. My main problem is not what she says, but the fact that Sarah Young says the words are from God (and writes them as such) and then if they are words from God they should be binding on our lives. That is why we have the Bible. The Bible is the only authoritative word of God!
If you would like to win this set of books – leave a comment about something God has been teaching you lately!
That’s all!
by Kimberly | Dec 20, 2015 | Books, mothering, parenting, Shepherding Children
Oh, sweet mommas – this post is especially for the mommas out there – and you don’t have to have toddlers to understand this post. Maybe all of your kids are teenagers, or are married and raising babies of their own – or maybe you have a few younger than mine and are still living in sleepless nights because of newborns or sleep regression.
Just as the very word of God spoke all of creation into being, and the word of God is written down for us so we may be changed into His image, the word of God also breathes life into the every day of my mothering – right now which is a highly emotional 3 year old we are seeking to potty train and a speedy 2 year old who loves to jump off everything he can climb.
Two examples for you from the last 24 hours. It was a long afternoon as I fought for my 2 year old to take a nap. I knew he was tired and just didn’t want to miss out on anything. Finally 90 minutes after scheduled nap time, he finally went down for 90 minutes. Then, by the time my husband walked in the door at 635 from his job, I was so done. He immediately took over, gave them a bath, put them to bed (which was a 2.5 hour struggle with one of them), and told me to go do something, anything, other than being with the kids. I went in and took a long hot shower which is one of my favorite things to do in the winter (I know I’m not helping the water conservation society). As I was standing there praying, confessing my anger and entitlement, I was reminded of a verse in James that my husband spent a whole year on our first year of marriage: James 4:1-4 which basically says the reason you are arguing and upset is because you are fighting to get what you want because you are idolizing something and not keeping God God in your life and heart. Yup. I was struggling all day because I didn’t get what I wanted from my sons. I wanted quiet – I didn’t get much of that all day. I wanted obedience – but my sons are sinners and not prone to obey so I shouldn’t expect them to do it. I was crying in the shower, even as the hot water ran down my cheeks and increased my need for an aging-skin moisturizer – God was restoring my soul with the work of the Word.
The second example is from this morning: it was a long morning. I sat in the sanctuary during the sunday school hour, listening to my husband prep for CEve service, scanning through social media, getting encouraged from friends, and the tears were there all morning. Before the service, my husband sat down beside me, and just whispered in my ear the gospel: the God has a plan, Jesus is enough even when its hard, that His grace is sufficient. My tears were dripping on his new gray pants. I didn’t care. I hope they didn’t stain. The gospel is found in the Word. We must know the Word. We must have the Word spoken to us – to our souls – to our hurt and weary souls.
I got a book set in the mail this week from Tommy Nelson that helps adults and kids know key Scriptures in the Bible. How to know them, memorize them, live them out – so that the Word may be life-changing in whatever situation we find ourselves in. The Joshua Code and I Can Learn the Bible would be a great set for you to work through with your children in the new year. If you would like please just leave a post about anything – anything at all.
Happy Mothering.
