New Experiments & Old Traditions

A birthday in our family passed this week. . . always an exciting event!!  Somehow creativity is always required.  This time it involved a 'simple' request. . . for an Angel Food Cake.  Then there is me--who has never made one. . and yet to stubborn to go buy one. . .unless I really, really have to (which would require trying until out of time!).  So, I made my attempt.  First attempt - just used a regular old recipe from my trustee ol' Betty Crocker Cookbook.  With simple changes that I tend to make.   Consequently, I will tell you -It doesn't work with whole wheat and sucanat.  Well- kind of- but . .it's not pretty.

Second try...used  sucanat for just 1/2 of the required sugar, the rest was powdered and then a bit of white. Then I also used regular flour.  Not the healthiest, but it worked!  Of course the sucanat gives it the rather brown hue, so it's not fully traditional & white here.  Albeit - good.

Angel Food Cake - Second try,  ya don't want to see the 1st!

 Aside from picking desserts- isn't it fun to see what family traditions develop?  Sometimes not even realizing as <something> becomes a tradition.  For Birthdays~I just feel that it's the perfect time (and it comes naturally) to reflect on the growth of my kiddos.  One of my favorite traditions is this one:

  Each year we (Kyle & I) write a birthday "letter" to each of the kids.  Not one they will open though.  We write about their accomplishments that year, their personalities.  Likes.  Dislikes.  Their goofy little quirks.  Then, at the end - parenting advice for the age they are at;  we plan to give them these cards when they are grown.  Either when they are adults--or -and I like this one better- when they have a child the age they were for a particular "letter."  

Our Birthday Boy!

Sweet Betrayal

A sort of heart break I never new existed.  You give all you have. . .and all you don’t.  You never knew there could be such trials - out of your own little ones.  At one time in diapers, and ever since you do everything for them.  Everything.  And once in a while you might get out for something you personally enjoy.

 I guess it was my naivety not knowing that sooner or later that as my children get older they will grow into adult personalities.  With that - attitudes, strong ones, as strong or stronger than adults have.   Of course in that they need guidance.  A friend of mine said it in a wise way:  From infant to 9 or ten years we are taking care of mainly physical needs, food, clothing, playing and the like. But somewhere around 9 years and older. . .now it is time to take care of their emotional needs.  They are many.  We need to guide them through that.

Learning about the art of betrayal from your own child is a painful lesson.  And there are many routes it can be accomplished.  Attitudes. Words . . or lack of.  Lies. Body language.  They deny what you pour into them each day.  And it hurts.  <Perhaps I could say it angers. . .and..maybe, at first--until you realize the true emotion is somewhere along the lines of hurt, or fear (maybe fear that you are not “doing it right’)>.
If you have ever felt fully betrayed,  The deep cut. The confusion of -why-…by your son or daughter can I just say:

It is a blessing.

Why?  I realized this as I was thinking over things trying to sort out events in my head.  Being betrayed by your child…different than by a friend or even a spouse. . .a child, Your child.
Wow, could this be a glimpse even if a small glimpse, into the love God has for us.  “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  -Romans 5:8.  We have betrayed Him, time and time again, through our sin.  And there it lays out flat for God to see, and he pours out his forgiveness and love even though our betrayals have caused Him pain, have “cut Him.”  He loves.  He forgives.  And then like an extra dose of grace continues his work as a potter.  Then you begin to understand the vastness of His grace.

There is so much to learn about our relationship with God, when we relate it to our relationships with our children.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

For his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

I pray that my grace for my children will be renewed each morning!

A Slate wiped clean.

 

A Seeking Heart

A woman’s ministry…why so complex, why so misguided--maybe it’s not.

What can I do for God’s kingdom?  There has to be something Great. Something Significant.  Some way. . . if only I was paying attention . .or something.  God can use my life--right, but how?  Often in church they speak about -service- about letting God use your life.  Being great by serving and such.  Where do I belong in this?  What area can I be used and be effective.  What can I possibly do anyway to show others His love and goodness.  I only have time for so much.  Much of my time is spent teaching at home.  Taking care of my family. House, etc. When will this “Exiting” time come when my life can be used for the good of the kingdom of God?

And this question had me for a long time.

Then it hit me.  My ministry IS in my home.  It is my husband.  My children.  My home.  ..and that is O.K.  And it Is important.  I can be effective.  It's enough for this season of my life.  I don’t have to go out and to “great” things...no need to establish a non profit, be a super mom who cooks cleans And makes a million selling strollers on the internet.  To write books or to. . .you know something “Big.”   Sure big things are fun.  But that might disrupt my focus anyway.

On Revive Our Hearts this week they are on a great series of motherhood...if you get a chance, try to listen to one or a few.  I think you will be thoroughly encouraged!  Click Here To Listen!  You can listen to today's or any past shows.

Have a Lovely Mother's Day!!