tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65662648227921173482024-02-18T22:11:23.342-05:00Shaping Little SoulsTraining our children in Godly character is much more important than ABC's and 123's! Only one of these will affect eternity.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-48237131279439955902017-07-05T09:36:00.002-04:002017-07-05T09:36:19.226-04:00Years later I am back and my life has reached a new season. Blessed beyond measure, I am still a SAHM living the dream! Of course we have our challenges but in the big scope of life ~ Abundantly Blessed.<br />
<br />
I have picked up a couple of SAHM jobs that have helped me find my own enjoyment. One is a health and wellness company called Shaklee. Ever heard of Shaklee? Ask your parents or even Grandparents. They may have. This company has been around for 60 years. It is well established and a reputable company. In today's age, our eyes are being opened to the health dangers of chemicals, processed foods and a toxic environment. Shaklee has solutions for nutrition through the highest quality of supplements and even nontoxic cleaning supplies and skin care. You can browse through my site www.myshaklee.betterhealthbetterfuture.com. Feel free to ask me whatever questions you many have.<br />
<br />
Another thing I do from home is crafting with my SILHOUETTE CAMEO! Oh what fun it is! I make all kinds of thing and sell them! Again, to see what I am making hop over to www.facebook.com/wonderfullymadeforyou<br />
<br />Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-14091311619149507662014-01-02T14:55:00.001-05:002014-01-02T14:55:46.630-05:00Happy New YearHere I sit at the laptop. Allowing my fingertips to do the talking.<br />
It is a new year! Resolutions? Pishah! I do have a renewed sense of what<br />
I want to attempt in the months to come. No promises. No long term commitments.<br />
Just a few passionate ideas that I would like to see where they float and how long they float.<br />
Some may think that is a fool-proof way to fail at new goals. I, personally want to allow for wiggle room. See what happens, watch what the Lord does, and do want works and quit what is not working. How smart is it to lock yourself in to something only to leave you feeling guilty and like a failure? Not smart.<br />
<br />
Ok. Some new things that are exciting me.<br />
I am planning on getting creative and making headbands! Spandex headbands! I know tons of girls who LOVE them. I also know some runners and people to work out who use them. They are also just fun for a little fashion.<br />
I plan to pick up my Lilla Rose business too! I love their flexiclips! So pretty and functional!<br />
Ask me about them if you want more info. I will post more about it at a later point.<br />
I also plan to pick up more books for me! I have been using all of MY reading time reading to my 2nd grader. Time to feed my own soul with books once again.<br />
I also plan to post a few more things on this blog. I put this blog on pause while I was having kids and homeschooling. At present I have 4 kids (done) and 2 are in school! Big change for us but the extra breathing room has been a lifesaver. More on that later too.<br />
<br />
So, just a few quick things I wanted to put in black and white for things ahead!<br />
<br />
Wishing you all an Happy and healthy NEW YEAR!<br />
<br />
<br />Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-20230767687897997462013-04-04T21:09:00.002-04:002013-04-04T21:09:48.905-04:00It has been an awful long time since my last post.If there are any viewers left on this lonely little blog, please accept my sincere apologies. It has been over a year since my last post. Life got a little hectic with parenting and homeschooling. I now have 4 children and what ever spare time I have it is a toss up between showering, sleeping, eating or cleaning. As you can see blogging is a luxury!<br />
I was also getting frustrated with the HTML codes eating up complete days trying to figure them all out. So I had to put it on the back burner.<br />
But, I am back.<br />
One major motivation for me being back it because I need to put my thoughts into print to keep my self accountable. I have some goals I <strike>would like to</strike> am going to meet and I need to get my thoughts organized. This is the place I have chosen to do that.<br />
So, my goals. Well, my 4th baby is now 7 months old and I want to loose some weight. PLUS, I will be turning 40 in December! Eeeek! That gives me 8 months to drop some pounds and inches so I can be lookin good when I turn the big four o.<br />
Confession, I just ate a pop tart and a bowl of Frosted Shredded mini wheat's. It is 8:30 pm and all the kids are in bed and hubby has run to the store. So those sweet treats were asking if I would have a last night rendezvous with them. I got suckered in again.<br />
Lately I have been binging. BAD BAD BAD. I am not going to drop pounds doing that. I have lost all self control and absolutely must get that under control.<br />
I am going to be completely candid on these posts not because I want to but because I need to. I tend to be secretive about these little binging episodes. I sneak the snacks so the kids don't see and I eat the bad stuff when hubby can't see. Who am I really fooling. MYSELF! Secrets are a red flag. If there is something that needs to be a secret it must not be a healthy thing. I want to be transparent. I want to gain the self discipline to be around junk food and firmly and confidently say "No, I will not eat it and I do not want it."<br />
<br />
In order to reach some of my goals my first step is to<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Drink water.</span><br />
Drinking more water is the cheapest and easiest way to lose weight.<br />
So why not? If I can't do that, then there is a real problem. I have an app on my phone that reminds me to drink my water. With each glass I drink I touch a picture of an empty cup and it watch it fill up with water. I have 8 classes to fill each day. If it has been a while it makes a sound like water filling a cup to remind me. My kids often hear it and they call out, 'Mom! time to drink your water!' Isn't there a saying...'you are what you eat?' Maybe, just maybe, I will become a tall drink of water! <br />
<br />
Another thing I have been doing is eating <span style="font-size: x-large;">protein for breakfast</span>. Usually and egg or two and some turkey bacon. Other days I will drink a protein shake. I have been using Shaklee's Cinch 180 Cafe Latte. It is so yummy! Breakfast is my weakest meal of the day. Our culture has trained up to eat carbs for breakfast. Think about it. We eat cereal, bagels, toast, English muffins, pancakes, muffins, etc ALL CARBS. Then I am hungry again at 10 am. It is so hard for me to skip the carbs for breakfast but it is critical if I want to set my blood sugar off in the right foot. Another thing I LOVE for breakfast is a big glass of Tropicana Orange juice. I am not a coffee drinker but I love me a glass of cold Orange juice in the morning. But I am cutting it off. Water only. No juices allowed. If I am going to ingest calories I am going to be eating them. Not to mention the sugar content in juice.<br />
<br />
Just a few days ago I bit the bullet and bought the 21 Day Sugar Detox ebook. It is my plan to read it this week, plan my meals and shopping list and begin the 21 days on April 8th. It is only 3 weeks but it is designed to help retrain the palette to not crave sweets. I figure if I can curb the cravings perhaps the self control part will not be so much an issue. We will see.<br />
<br />
This is my plan for now. Perhaps in the next post I will share some secret numbers with you..... my weight and measurements. Blush.<br />
If you are reading this blog and you know me personally. Please be kind. I realize I am sharing this info with the world at my own risk. I do it in hopes that some of you will keep me on the straight an narrow.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-79890430158544821142012-02-16T21:08:00.000-05:002012-02-16T21:08:54.549-05:00Update on Willful Submission<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://shapinglittlesouls.blogspot.com/2011/12/peace-enters-home-when-child-submits.html">A few posts back</a> I explained that I was having great difficulty with my four year old daughter and her defiant disobedience. I got some great advice that really has helped. And that is, when she has done something that merits chastisement she is to stay in her room until she has control of herself and needs to come to me when she is ready to be chastised. So that way she is coming under he own will and I am not forcing her to submit but she does it on her own timing and will rather than me forcing her to submit to the chastisement.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is now a couple months later and (by request of one of my readers) I want to update you on how that process is going.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It really is a process much like all of the parenting and training we do. She still gets into her little funky episodes and for some reason when I first see it I know it will be a long day. They just seem to be whole days that she has a hard time breaking free from attitude and rebellion in her. We are bathing this situation in much prayer! I will say it again.... MUCH PRAYER!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This nugget of wisdom has most positively affected our relationship as mother and daughter. I could really feel us pushing each other way from each other, as I was constantly having to correct her and discipline her and she would just kick it up higher and harder. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Heart wrenching to a mom. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Really. She is only 4 years old! What caused this? If I can't mend my relationship with a 4 year old, how in the world will I do it when she is a teenager?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This method of having her come to me for the spanking has</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.) Allowed me to calm down enough to talk her through it and spank in a controlled manner. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2.) Allowed her to calm herself down to be able to talk to me and open up to me rather than continue to defend and fight and put more walls up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3.) Allowed a genuine time of repentance, restoration and forgiveness on both parts. Confession is so good and healthy but can only be done when you are in a humble state.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4.) Sparked something in her to continually express her love for me. Even after I spank her. Before, like I said, she was building walls and wasn't given the space and freedom that she needed. Now, throughout the day she will hug me and tell me she loves me. That did not happen before.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5.) Allowed closure to the incident and gives us freedom to move on with our day. It is left behind and forgiven. When I discipline in anger I have a hard time myself letting go of the frustration and anger for the rest of the day. And now that I type this I see that the apple truly doesn't fall far from the tree. Ahem.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6.) Become much less often and takes less time that it did at the beginning. Now it may happen once in a day and last only 10 minutes v.s. the 3 times a day lasting 45 minutes of her struggling and fighting and coming out of her room when she was not ready to be spanked only to be sent back in. You do the math. That really eats up your day and attention away from your other children!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These are what comes to my mind at this point. It really has helped us both and the affect on our family is benefiting as well. Bit by bit I see her becoming more moldable and teachable. That means the world to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thank God for his involvement and answer to prayer and power over the evil one who longs to have our children. The victory has already been won. Jesus Christ lives, rules and reigns in my heart and in our home. Evil of any kind is NOT welcome here. There is a reason it is called a 'Spiritual Battle.' The enemy at battle does not give up easily. He wants our children. So battle I will.... with God on my side.... I have no fear. If God is for me who can be against me? </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq0piRBEofa2asrKssoUZalEYAQcxNNPJI1t3YGRMGUdJvWit59XkkUmULZkI6TO4VixwI6Ofv3MjSYbuKV4pl2r3VS-SqeGRmTYzzEhilDG9uohCb87tQQJgTrxWXyS-bu7YT4roGKE/s1600/guardian-angel-437x504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq0piRBEofa2asrKssoUZalEYAQcxNNPJI1t3YGRMGUdJvWit59XkkUmULZkI6TO4VixwI6Ofv3MjSYbuKV4pl2r3VS-SqeGRmTYzzEhilDG9uohCb87tQQJgTrxWXyS-bu7YT4roGKE/s320/guardian-angel-437x504.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-73333972311257261402012-02-09T09:24:00.000-05:002012-02-09T09:24:00.350-05:00Valentine LessonWith Valentine's Day coming up, we have been working on lots of heart projects.<div>This one is very special because of the application (that I stole from a dear friend).</div><div>I cut out a heart as large as I could from construction paper (we used red, purple and pink).</div><div>Then inside that heart I cut out another heart. That left me with a frame of a heart.</div><div>We set the heart frame inside a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Thermal-Laminating-Pouches-TP3854-50/dp/B0019K3LI8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1328748203&sr=8-3"> laminating sheet</a> and carefully placed tissue paper squares in the open</div><div>space. Then we laminated it to make a beautiful sun catcher.</div><div>NOTE: You could make any kind of heart and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Thermal-Laminator-Inches-TL901/dp/B0010JEJPC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328748203&sr=8-1">laminate</a> it or put it in a sheet protector for the same devotional lesson.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then we ooooed and awed at how beautiful it was when we held it up to the window. The "Son" shines through and makes it more beautiful! Then I asked, "Who loves us MOST of all?" I got a resounding, "God and Jesus!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCFEs2KW9tO2rxXE6i51LWL1FOC-3XIqXFcBVER7J-Qu_UsMjzJENCV2wQM56sAlhItl0kxOFZIHUmxcFf2E3Es8gRCs5tlbcrk5O8V8qqZ6n06l_oo-uSSH8d7cbPGUr1DJ4gvpO9hQ/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCFEs2KW9tO2rxXE6i51LWL1FOC-3XIqXFcBVER7J-Qu_UsMjzJENCV2wQM56sAlhItl0kxOFZIHUmxcFf2E3Es8gRCs5tlbcrk5O8V8qqZ6n06l_oo-uSSH8d7cbPGUr1DJ4gvpO9hQ/s320/IMG_7138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then I took a black dry erase marker and told the kids, "This is what dark, dirty, sin looks like." And I scribbled all over the pretty heart. The kids we upset that I ruined the heart. I then explained that sin does that to our heart. It makes is ugly and dirty. But if we ask God to forgive us he will. Then I took a white Kleenex (Puffs Ultra to be exact) and said, "This is what Jesus does when we ask for forgiveness, He washes us clean and we look beautiful again. We are most beautiful when we seen the 'Son' shining through us."</div><div><br />
</div><div>The kids then spent time scribbling all over their hearts and teaching that same lesson to each other. We washed them clean and taped them in the window. Now we can be reminded throughout the day of how God has washed us clean!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-qL4oNGSIUyNKK7GU-M6u8GnMOs4znc5xWYm5LB9Pp7RhDgfsf1wngLNzW1TwNXOvdiJhMtDw6GsHu6hCdwSGT8Cg1xZHUqTYFHG_6hb0sJjX3Fslq66nvWx3Kk7rSl-ertYX2YDXCY/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-qL4oNGSIUyNKK7GU-M6u8GnMOs4znc5xWYm5LB9Pp7RhDgfsf1wngLNzW1TwNXOvdiJhMtDw6GsHu6hCdwSGT8Cg1xZHUqTYFHG_6hb0sJjX3Fslq66nvWx3Kk7rSl-ertYX2YDXCY/s320/IMG_7140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqFb9VMpqLT0aBUjHx8Up0blyw8Rw1sTNa6cw7NUgQNF_3_8UuAKEt-0NnL9MXR1hPNJY2v9_z2uHFrMAZbXlXZhdo0ZXs0KvO37ZO1w2nZA_UcKJ0eDrHqNb6t3pG2TeSnOhqRDN5xw/s1600/IMG_7139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqFb9VMpqLT0aBUjHx8Up0blyw8Rw1sTNa6cw7NUgQNF_3_8UuAKEt-0NnL9MXR1hPNJY2v9_z2uHFrMAZbXlXZhdo0ZXs0KvO37ZO1w2nZA_UcKJ0eDrHqNb6t3pG2TeSnOhqRDN5xw/s320/IMG_7139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-55494640292828057832011-12-27T05:34:00.000-05:002011-12-27T05:34:15.896-05:00Peace Enters the Home When a Child Submits WillfullySo, how do you get a defiant child to willfully submit to her parents authority?<br />
Let me tell you what has worked wonders recently for us.<br />
My 4 year old (middle child) daughter has been defiant and difficult since she was two. We were hoping that it was just that 'two's phase' and that it would pass. But now she is four and we see more anger, rebellion and aggression. Let me tell you it breaks my heart to see it. We did not raise her this way. Her brothers aren't like this. Why? Why all the fighting, strife and negativity at such a young age?<br />
We used time outs, spankings, isolation in her bedroom (her rebellion would not keep her there), we we even tried time out in a car seat (that worked for a while). But as she grew she could McGyver her way out of the car seat too. We were prime candidates for Nanny 911.<br />
<br />
So, at a point of heart break of tears on my end, once again, I sought council from a friend who teaches Growing Kids God's Way classes. I had heard what she told me before but I needed my memory refreshed cause my daughter was at an age where she could understand enough to be accountable.<br />
Here is what we did and still do that seems to be working! I think it is loaded with wisdom!<br />
When there is disobedience, I tell her she needs to go to her room until she can calm down and be a part of the family again. That usually goes over like a lead balloon. So I take her there (kicking, screaming and sometimes dragging). I tell her that she needs to sit on her bed until she has self control and to call me and I will come get her. I also tell her that if she disobeys and comes out before she is ready that she will be chastised. I close the door and leave the room. (Another Lead balloon). She comes out 2 seconds later crying, angry and fighting. So I tell her that because she disobeyed she will need to get a spank. HERE IS THE KEY: "When you are ready for your spanking, you can come out of your room." Then, I buckle my lip and take her back to her bed, close the door. We do this how ever many times it takes (usually about 1/2 hour to 45 mins).<br />
I was shocked the first time she said she was ready for a spanking. I thought it would never happen. Simply because I know how stubborn she can be. So I did spank her and then we hugged and talked. I told her I love her. We did this two times back to back the first day.<br />
The second day she was and ANGEL! There were NO incidences that needed to be dealt with AT ALL! It was the most peaceful day I had had yet! She did express multiple times that she loved me and that she wanted me to cuddle with her or play with her. So I filled her little love tank and did some heart mending.<br />
Since that first day we have only had to do that a handful of times and it has been about a month now!<br />
Big difference. She seems much happier and cries lots less too.<br />
<br />
Here is what happened. I was forcing her to be under my authority by just spanking her (causing both of us to be angry). This way, I give her time to come to her own agreement that mom is in authority. When I tell her to come to me when she is ready for the spanking, I am allowing her the freedom to submit when SHE is ready.<br />
We have all heard that submission is not forced but willfully bending the heart to another's authority. The heart has to be right. Only she can do that. I can't ever MAKE her do that.<br />
This is huge! And I see a difference in her heart! We love on each other much more than we used to. Our relationship is being built up instead of being torn down. Yes, at times we still have tears, anger and impatience but it is 99% better than it was. It is now manageable.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-39570217278274119852011-06-29T07:33:00.000-04:002011-06-29T07:33:38.549-04:00Fighting for Our Daughters<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I subscribe to a blog called 'Unplug Your Family."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am really enjoying it and as a result our family has chosen to be 'Unpluged' from T.V., video games, movies, and even the computer (mom too) every Tuesday. It has been going great. But I realize how hooked we are on that day. When we are unplugged the kids (ages 5, 3 and 1) actually do better with attitudes, imaginary play and I get more accomplished too! Don't get me wrong, it is hard! Like fasting. There have been times when a kid is throwing a fit or is just grumpy and I want to pop in a video to just not deal with it. But I am teaching them some great skills in self control and using their minds to keep them busy and helping them develop better relationships with each other.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Good stuff but the real reason for this post is this article I just read on her blog. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://unplugyourfamily.blogspot.com/2011/06/fighting-for-our-daughters.html">Fighting for our Daughters</a> is a fantastic read with a wealth of wisdom. If you have a daughter you will want to read this. If you know of someone with a daughter pass it along.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://unplugyourfamily.blogspot.com/2011/06/fighting-for-our-daughters.html">Click here to read it.</a> You will need a few undistracted moments to fully absorb its wisdom.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check it out. </span>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-85955394087339006632011-05-30T11:51:00.002-04:002011-05-30T11:53:45.765-04:00Memorial Day 2011You can't go through a Memorial Day without a hot dog, watermelon and listening to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://this./">this.</a></span><br />
<br />
Just listen to her! She is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7 years old!</span> She gave me chills!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm_0dliYgh1aW5cTNMtxqeIqweuuypbnRD0SburWc1o2i09g1CVwTAXE7ToWSxxtIP3eU0F2oQdM-ustIghKovPIM7TeTHWS7J6Oty4Na0I1rrvmKbYZ6OMtYleiwAcUtcyLn4ksntW8/s1600/USA-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm_0dliYgh1aW5cTNMtxqeIqweuuypbnRD0SburWc1o2i09g1CVwTAXE7ToWSxxtIP3eU0F2oQdM-ustIghKovPIM7TeTHWS7J6Oty4Na0I1rrvmKbYZ6OMtYleiwAcUtcyLn4ksntW8/s400/USA-flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-16693528702073937572011-05-28T21:29:00.005-04:002011-06-02T07:39:34.359-04:00Sunglasses Solution<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay. I have had this dilemma for 6 years now (that is how long I have been married). There are sun glasses and car keys sitting on top of our microwave... along with lots of other junk. See?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLo0bd1N1cQhvh1xP6m5lvd3ZvKc93BfJm5KLHEeOZcyU-Qmk4pLuhnI65MPwYQv6ZXuBHyVKddKBFvI02Q7h8Z0A__7V7a5ZDW0H-QzG2pLSne0rpXCTs4nR_ldyRcQPhb7A1VypVqY/s1600/IMG_5501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLo0bd1N1cQhvh1xP6m5lvd3ZvKc93BfJm5KLHEeOZcyU-Qmk4pLuhnI65MPwYQv6ZXuBHyVKddKBFvI02Q7h8Z0A__7V7a5ZDW0H-QzG2pLSne0rpXCTs4nR_ldyRcQPhb7A1VypVqY/s320/IMG_5501.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enough of that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here was my solution.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bFdMu94z8YR0C3_1HLvv9WMyYKaMxxQvJ240smhQmxHIdZuOmtFVnBHLtE_2KoVv02gQSHqy-5SDo2CWj2O4xfI4Z8mVyxqQCvTD77P0DDY_jW9rgf4hYwJeYMaFvxZCO2ihjiSwytw/s1600/IMG_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bFdMu94z8YR0C3_1HLvv9WMyYKaMxxQvJ240smhQmxHIdZuOmtFVnBHLtE_2KoVv02gQSHqy-5SDo2CWj2O4xfI4Z8mVyxqQCvTD77P0DDY_jW9rgf4hYwJeYMaFvxZCO2ihjiSwytw/s400/IMG_5503.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0XBC0FzedQ0Rh3a5G7BA8lIUyLeisxWws3T9PC89a2SxrmmfulUXz3sR1KM4tyIoJ4XuSbDfND1EdIGqrupd6T_O40F1EVNW9lc7BBV74Cv2u1OI9g3iwSNEOBJdNTYylR7ZPu5H4k8/s1600/IMG_5506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0XBC0FzedQ0Rh3a5G7BA8lIUyLeisxWws3T9PC89a2SxrmmfulUXz3sR1KM4tyIoJ4XuSbDfND1EdIGqrupd6T_O40F1EVNW9lc7BBV74Cv2u1OI9g3iwSNEOBJdNTYylR7ZPu5H4k8/s400/IMG_5506.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEIet-Z6Tmr4wQ1EluXwqzRjj7h437dTvXYdUJrmgvAt7SOq5b4uP1LnmWDJeBwtpsuY6t0LJe3tRhZeYu34PyARpYZu7YxSm6dTrNpydcAGc0sE1JTXn07f-JQSw-iCBwH_IlUXRfkk/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="252px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEIet-Z6Tmr4wQ1EluXwqzRjj7h437dTvXYdUJrmgvAt7SOq5b4uP1LnmWDJeBwtpsuY6t0LJe3tRhZeYu34PyARpYZu7YxSm6dTrNpydcAGc0sE1JTXn07f-JQSw-iCBwH_IlUXRfkk/s400/IMG_5507.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perdy, aint it?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How I did it.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purchased this rectangular frame at Michael's on clearance for $9.99!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Removed the class and matte.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut fabric (that matches my drapery) to size. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut a tube and threaded elastic inside to hold the glasses snug.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stitched the elastic tube every 2 inches across. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I Sprayed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Craftbond-4-Ounce-Adhesives-Spray/dp/B001BDLXSS?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Elmer's craft bond spray adhesive</a> to the frame's inside board<img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001BDLXSS" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /> and fixed the fabric to it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once it was dry I put it inside the frame. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Applied <a href="http://www.amazon.com/3M-Command-17206-Picture-Hanging-Strips/dp/B00404YKZI?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Command Valcro Strips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00404YKZI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to the back side of the frame - for secure removal of glasses and keys.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Voila!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Initially it was for sun glasses but I decided that by tucking the key fab in the elastic it works well for them too!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am tickled about it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you think. Would these sell or what?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am linking up with </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a border="0" href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" /></a></span><br />
and<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a><br />
and<br />
<a ="" href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6566264822792117348&postID=1669352870207393757"><img ="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg " /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a ="" href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com" href=""><img ="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg " /></a></div>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-68175714630052752612011-05-14T21:00:00.000-04:002011-05-14T21:00:09.186-04:00Rage Agaist the Mini VanI hope you take time to read <a href="http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/04/what-i-want-you-to-know-being-33-and.html">this </a>post that was written by a sweet young woman. Her words are well placed and need to be heard. YOU can make a difference in the life of one like her. <br />
<br />
The topic of single adults who's desire it is to be married yet for some reason God has not opened that door is one that is not acknowledged much at all in life and in 'church.'<br />
I was single for 10 years longer than I would have planned and I can tell you that depression, anger and loneliness were a dark cloud over me constantly. Always wondering 'Why?'<br />
<br />
I am married now and have the family I cried out for all of those years and I rejoice, thank and praise God for where He has allowed me to walk!<br />
<br />
My twin sister is 37 and still longs for companionship. My heart aches for her. Truly. <br />
The blog post link below sheds a clearer light into this life of adult singleness and it's pain. I share it with you hoping you can and will be more sensitive to those in this situation in your life and can minister to them more effectively.<br />
Read the post here: <a href="http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/04/what-i-want-you-to-know-being-33-and.html">http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/04/what-i-want-you-to-know-being-33-and.html</a>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-13694454418795827482011-04-20T00:39:00.000-04:002011-04-20T00:39:05.363-04:00Resurrection Sunday!We all have our little quirks. I will flat out tell you that I believe Easter is not real (nor is the Easter Bunny nor is Santa). But, the resurrection of Jesus is REAL! I prefer to say "Happy Resurrection Day!" It really helps ME to remember the most important things that Jesus asks us to remember ~ his Death ~ his Burial ~ his Resurrection!<br />
<br />
I am sure most of you have heard of the cute little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Eggs-Familylife/dp/1572297220?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">resurrection eggs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1572297220" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" /> that most christian bookstores sell. They really are a neat idea. We have a set and my kids love to play with the little pieces. But I tell you, I have the darnedest time trying to keep the right trinket with the right number on the egg and that is if we can find all the eggs! So, this year I started something new.<br />
<br />
THE TREASURE BOX<br />
<br />
This has been gleaned from the children's book <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Benjamins-Box-Story-Resurrection-Eggs/dp/0310715059?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Benjamin's Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Benjamins-Box-Story-Resurrection-Eggs/dp/0310715059?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Benjamin's Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0310715059&tag=shapin-20" /></a><br />
This great little book is about Benjamin who lives in <img alt="" border="0" height="1px" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0310715059" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1px" />Jesus time and he has an empty treasure box. One by one he follows Jesus just before he is crucified and collects items that he will treasure as he remembers.<br />
<br />
I read the book to my kids and with each page we added the same item that Benjamin adds to our own treasure box. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK6xUNzmh1KjCc4WaHl5TPCoU7g1PLl8ifuEFG6NZmMbSnwmoTv0ozVMLsyYpRTA5OFIZr67hwBwtN4eh-vL_5RZC0lVUtaLichsaNMe0f70NSCAh5N9lrvXCx7weg2Gj0j5jIbK83EA/s1600/IMG_5011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK6xUNzmh1KjCc4WaHl5TPCoU7g1PLl8ifuEFG6NZmMbSnwmoTv0ozVMLsyYpRTA5OFIZr67hwBwtN4eh-vL_5RZC0lVUtaLichsaNMe0f70NSCAh5N9lrvXCx7weg2Gj0j5jIbK83EA/s320/IMG_5011.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGcW6Wjhd0_FJcFu51rogdbwq-D7B8-TJlQOgBAh-UGSEUdPlnfgH2LKmBKwxYLVkNW-Ey8lPOnzMdJr0PkhDBAQ_gXYvkyotnIOTyQ_iEDFbzbp3SxcTr0PI0dmOf065CuzJEWjqw60/s1600/IMG_5014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGcW6Wjhd0_FJcFu51rogdbwq-D7B8-TJlQOgBAh-UGSEUdPlnfgH2LKmBKwxYLVkNW-Ey8lPOnzMdJr0PkhDBAQ_gXYvkyotnIOTyQ_iEDFbzbp3SxcTr0PI0dmOf065CuzJEWjqw60/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>One by one they added these pieces (from the resurrection eggs) into the box.<br />
<br />
What a fun time they had with it. What a wonderful keepsake to keep our treasure box on display on our bookshelf to interact with and to remember Him.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-49681567331758385072011-04-18T07:23:00.000-04:002011-04-18T07:23:39.596-04:00Heaven on My Mind<span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0849946158" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Real-Little-Astounding-Story/dp/0849946158?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Heaven is for Real</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0849946158" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span></div><span>A little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Real-Little-Astounding-Story/dp/0849946158?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0849946158&tag=shapin-20" /></a><span>This book has gripped me from page one. Thanks to a long wait at a doctors office, I read it in two days. This book is definitely worth the read. My eyes have been opened to a more real place called Heaven. I was raised in the church and in fact my own dad was a minister/pastor but heaven seems so.... far off... so... vague. </span></div><br />
<span>The interesting thing about this book is that these things come from the mouth of a child. He says things no 4/5 year old would know. I am convinced this really did happen to him. I love that the things he passionately talks about that he saw in heaven dealt mostly with relationships! Not golden streets or gorgeous waterfalls but relationships!</span><br />
<br />
<span>I pray people across the nation will read this book and I pray it will trigger a revival!</span><br />
<span>If you do buy it, read it, and DON'T put it back on your shelf. Lend it out or pass it on. Share it with others! In fact, I plan to share bits and pieces with my 5 year old. </span><br />
<br />
<span>Let's keep heaven on our minds!</span><br />
<br />
<span>I would love to hear your comments about this book once you have read it.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"></div>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-20083106407643129782011-04-04T21:39:00.000-04:002011-04-04T21:39:17.506-04:00"The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kenison<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/olSyCLJU3O0?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-74011672492214003302011-04-03T22:16:00.000-04:002011-04-03T22:16:23.225-04:00April brings beauty!I am thrilled that April has arrived! Although it is still gray and damp where I live, I see evidence of the beauty to come! There are little green shoots popping up in our front yard!<br />
<br />
I am also thrilled to share with you something else that I think shows it beauty.<br />
During the month of April, <a href="http://www.lillarose.biz/sharonsaad">Lilla Rose</a> has a special one time offer of this flexi clip.<br />
<input class="SCNProductListImage" id="ctl00_MainCartDisplay_btnProduct_18562_1" name="ctl00$MainCartDisplay$btnProduct_18562_1" onclick="javascript:WebForm_DoPostBackWithOptions(new WebForm_PostBackOptions("ctl00$MainCartDisplay$btnProduct_18562_1", "", false, "", "ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=18562&CatalogueID=208&PartyID=-1&PartyGuestID=-1&InternalUse=1&ProductGroupString=67.72", false, false))" size="23" src="https://secure.lillarose.biz/products/2-1903.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; height: 152px; width: 294px;" type="image" /><br />
It is called "1 MAJESTIC CROSS"<br />
They come in six sizes to suit various hair types. <a href="http://www.lillarose.biz/sharonsaad">Click here</a> to see more.<br />
<br />
Another reason this hair clip is so beautiful is because of what it represents. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The MAJESTIC CROSS. </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My heart pounds a little harder in April because of Easter. I daily think of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sin, His POWER over death, and the eternal life He has offered us. But in the month of April, we see more people and more things that continually remind us of these truths.<br />
I want to shout it from the roof tops. <br />
HE HAS TAKEN YOUR PUNISHMENT.<br />
HE HAS OVERCOME DEATH!<br />
HE IS ALIVE!<br />
HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN.<br />
HOW CAN YOU IGNORE THESE FACTS?<br />
PLEASE LISTEN AND RESPOND TO HIM WHO IS CALLING YOU<br />
TO HIMSELF!<br />
<br />
I pray for a deeper love for HIM and HIS word.<br />
And for a love for people.<br />
<br />
I think He wants to answer a prayer like that.<br />
To God be the Glory!<br />
<br />
<br />
<rect fillcolor="white [7]" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1097" insetpen="t" o:cliptowrap="t" o:preferrelative="t" strokecolor="black [0]" stroked="f" style="height: 73.8pt; left: 1in; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1in; width: 150pt; z-index: 1;"><fill color2="white [7]"></fill><stroke color2="white [7]"><left color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></left><top color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></top><right color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></right><bottom color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></bottom><column color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></column></stroke><imagedata o:title="4-1900[1]" src="file:///C:\Users\ODCUST~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><shadow color="#ccc [4]"></shadow><path o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></rect><br />
<rect fillcolor="white [7]" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1097" insetpen="t" o:cliptowrap="t" o:preferrelative="t" strokecolor="black [0]" stroked="f" style="height: 73.8pt; left: 1in; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1in; width: 150pt; z-index: 1;"><fill color2="white [7]"></fill><stroke color2="white [7]"><left color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></left><top color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></top><right color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></right><bottom color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></bottom><column color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></column></stroke><imagedata o:title="4-1900[1]" src="file:///C:\Users\ODCUST~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><shadow color="#ccc [4]"></shadow><path o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></rect>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-25951486564147313822011-01-12T13:18:00.001-05:002011-01-12T13:24:18.045-05:00Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever! Tasty too!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_tyzAxWE5l7n8MWVZKnnLj4SDNKSRGJr40zJRdpHvq7y_C4pRyEalA6JXhU7uWhiZxzh_X4KMDFKQmwgl4vkZB_9Uesj5PASv5Dj7JSPRnbTxhstxOJcNAdQ0H84Nn0EF0W6Oo8H8gQ/s1600-h/IMG_4385%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4385" border="0" alt="IMG_4385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3cusM6CQ6r-gVDcEz-pv3cdRgebb78xlAtlwrC-FunRJ-bZCHE739vEa4Iagqwcl1ry3zSQnyDAiT8s-_mXKOmS01nAEkJgHuub1q_7_29C1hvCHQv4BNW5Ajb1rlkb7XfUJk0mWfEM/?imgmax=800" width="345" height="357" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLO5uknLuPRIZPPMVTrlR8SO7RgZ5FHpV3nexxVEgoQqlkIKtFrzS5sc6_UU0oDuzi-V4DEUUG1nHxbN0TDS2qn0TuJE2GCtRSCHhtcyTopvQbfNVfmyIycnzqzDyoioXM-547atjZh4/s1600-h/IMG_4378%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4378" border="0" alt="IMG_4378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagVASlceIwYvIEAdyGtkSN2l_Tm8Zb0xLfJO0kOPbA27OzS_eUCkCN5q58GmqLAiaxoBXHkxsobzDE5-OMzHgc6JpR32AgpprTzV4lTtR9Bv459CpQx_v6Sra8Dj5uRDnzHD9QG-GkQE/?imgmax=800" width="564" height="432" /></a>   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq2sn58CYhCcE6ERy4vaJ5JtNK2AYvJgtCYdjs3ygrs0GYDecr0UcjKT4eA9Qq5ypd64AX9TGdcbhwnMFB1JKtlS94kOw9KdXtgF56qAymulR4PsJk-j9mETn0RGzosWn7oUJiwLhMV0/s1600-h/IMG_4383%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4383" border="0" alt="IMG_4383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j6mqNO2DFT7CEGrR9yGUjiUe64ObTR85KwffrGHv1l9kIBU40fD6grD5Dm1PZLeU7Et8uyyw-gEaK0ySB6CCrYuSGC_TTgerwHUslLKbDtPJLykZzd_69nHAVj1p5fpdDmKz1fdcSp4/?imgmax=800" width="573" height="441" /></a></p> Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-33745881207846899372011-01-02T08:51:00.000-05:002011-01-02T08:51:58.082-05:00Christian Kids Radio OnlineI know it has been a long time since I posted anything ~ no excuses here.<br />
But I did want to say Happy 2011 to you all and I also wanted to share a great FREE resource for you and your children.<br />
<br />
While my kids are at the table for eating or playing playdoh I play <a href="http://www.karenandkids.com/radio.html">Karen & Kids radio online</a>. Check it out I think you may be pleased. I am all for filling my children's heart and mind with godly things. Let no time be idol.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-81734861669901157872010-11-18T23:21:00.001-05:002010-11-18T23:23:20.308-05:00Hair JewleryAs a SAHM I often <em>feel </em>less than professional in my daily attire. I wear a ponytail everyday. For me it is a MUST. This is just that season of life when I can't wear my hair down.<br />
I was so tired of using a black hair band to fashion my "just got back from a jog" look. If it wasn't holding up my skinny ponytail it was around my wrist ready to be pulled out and put to use. I have risen above that old rubber band and plastic hair claw. I now have a <span style="font-size: large;">'Flexiclip.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="SCNProductDetailImage" height="196" src="https://secure.lillarose.biz/products/detail/6-1179.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Isn't it pretty? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I love it!</span><br />
The Flexi clip is a completely unique, flexible barrette that holds thick, thin, curly, straight, fine and coarse hair. The Flexi comes in 6 sizes and hundreds of ever changing styles. Flexi uses an ingenious patented locking mechanism to secure it in your hair.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Don't you want one? If 'yes,' <a href="https://secure.lillarose.biz/MemberToolsDotNet/(S(3x31tfh2vp21cf1qr3bduzbl))/ShoppingCartNew/MainCart.aspx?PartyID=-1&PartyGuestID=-1"><span style="font-size: large;">go here to get one!</span></a></span><br />
<br />
I have been looking for a LONG time for a pretty barrette for my hair but nothing stays in. My hair is straight, slippery and very fine. All of the pretty ones were just too heavy.<br />
This, my friends in the solution! It is the solution if you have super <strong>thick hair</strong> or super fine hair. Go to the website and have a look at all of the beautiful choices! I fell in love and had a hard time deciding on the perfect one. So I guess I will just have to get a few more to add to my wardrobe!<br />
<br />
I started out with an extra small one to hold my regular ponytail. Now that I have it, I have learned that I need a small to twist up all of my hair.<br />
The most common size is small. One size does not fit all. You will need different sizes depending on the hairstyle you want to achieve. Anyway, there is a video on <a href="http://flexistyles.com/">this website</a> that will help you decide which size is best for you. <br />
<br />
This little wire contraption has done great things for me. My whole attitude is better because<strong> I feel better</strong>. I feel prettier. Sounds cheesy but it is true. <br />
Just wanted to share it with you too!<br />
<br />
Look what else you can do with it! Isn't it elegant? But yet useful for everyday use too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrHoZ-KbZaMDmKf5aM_UBRcwyExkZBzR1YJrBkNL0aFW6pdxV3P49jId999DrTKtkiePKYv_udhA7vo7YZ8G0uRKKxYASAAEfZlvgfVpoPSko3vDggPwes1jxhsj1juoSkVhd3RWFWnw6/s400/flexi8sitemih.jpg" width="400" />Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-56325340842976611552010-10-31T19:57:00.000-04:002010-10-31T19:57:47.315-04:00International House of Prayer (IHOP)Have you ever heard of IHOP? No, not <em>International House of Pancakes</em>. It is the <span style="font-size: large;">International House of</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Prayer.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXsUAAc-auS6xVD7QBkRpTSegoBZMxOpsAN4ViSzAu5nqChSzpLUE0l6PWh6Ya6an2Mv0J1Z0LFdihqCVy3JKy6O9_phgIEHhaMEkqr9UCgMh7DlD8OyV3nm4ttvHoxoePoLfh61SpgI/s1600/conamoreedmundblaireleighton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXsUAAc-auS6xVD7QBkRpTSegoBZMxOpsAN4ViSzAu5nqChSzpLUE0l6PWh6Ya6an2Mv0J1Z0LFdihqCVy3JKy6O9_phgIEHhaMEkqr9UCgMh7DlD8OyV3nm4ttvHoxoePoLfh61SpgI/s1600/conamoreedmundblaireleighton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In Kansas City, there is a group of believers who have gathered from across the globe to be a part if 24 hour a day prayer and worship. There is always someone there to pray or sing at all times. The leads take two hour shifts and they sing all kinds of songs and often sing as the Spirit leads. It is amazing to hear what comes out when you devote this kind of time to the Lord. It has been going non stop for about 10 years now. I had the privilege of going for 6 days a few years ago and boy did it do big things for my spiritual life. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When you spend that much time uninterrupted and focused on God, and calling out to him, it is life changing. Recently, they have made it viewable via Internet! At no cost!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So go to <a href="http://www.ihop.org/">www.ihop.org</a> and you can read about it or go directly <a href="http://ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000058181">here to get to the Prayer Room live webstream</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My personal favorite singer is Misty Edwards. Talk about anointed! I have seen her sing the book of Song of Solomon and have heard she also sings other stories in the bible. She is on Saturdays at 2 til 4 pm. You can go to their archives to find her.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tonight I had the house to myself and I turned on IHOP - Misty Edwards. I was blessed.</div>I hope you are too.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-71808347732877532742010-10-31T18:31:00.000-04:002010-10-31T18:31:50.213-04:00Ads on my BlogI noticed that there is a YouTube video ad on my blog that says "I am a Mormon."<br />
I wanted to make it crystal clear that <em>this is an ad that google has put on my blog with my permission.</em><br />
<br />
I also want to make it clear that I (the writer and founder of Shaping Little Souls) am NOT a Mormon. I am a Christian that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Not just a mear man but that he was perfect and sinless in every way. I believe that he was crucified, was buried and rose from death to life on the third day. Because he has the power to over come death he also had the power to raise us into life from sin and death.<br />
And that he will return to take those who believe into eternal life in heaven with Him.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions about this or about me leave a comment. I will respond.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-37813803647545298452010-10-28T09:15:00.000-04:002010-10-28T09:15:41.694-04:00Too Good Not to Share~Peanut Butter Oatmeal BakeOh my, I just whipped up a batch of the yummiest breakfast!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bake!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJZKNmGYT188RlREMgv7XVnMsm5TWwb8I_pOdGwGLIMPJQ8Ex3Dn-H8cyUGUoAFjq1XTFzCHg0eof7KkiBrZl2w3b1gmDceyfUbTrh5g4P8Kxhffr5EQzkdw6UImfg6qGoQUGf3mQgHY/s1600/IMG_3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJZKNmGYT188RlREMgv7XVnMsm5TWwb8I_pOdGwGLIMPJQ8Ex3Dn-H8cyUGUoAFjq1XTFzCHg0eof7KkiBrZl2w3b1gmDceyfUbTrh5g4P8Kxhffr5EQzkdw6UImfg6qGoQUGf3mQgHY/s320/IMG_3934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ4x2yPTXmB901FVn4RwF-ov8JCVf1RNGpF2ORaI2y8JmpTx0gRIVBH9t_X3zYCvfQtntojXJ-JG_XzdMP_Wl6qV1XaAVN1Fb4ygfLH7HnKE0bzEfXKsqL5qA0ZKFHGiHl5h43XfAZa8/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ4x2yPTXmB901FVn4RwF-ov8JCVf1RNGpF2ORaI2y8JmpTx0gRIVBH9t_X3zYCvfQtntojXJ-JG_XzdMP_Wl6qV1XaAVN1Fb4ygfLH7HnKE0bzEfXKsqL5qA0ZKFHGiHl5h43XfAZa8/s320/IMG_3935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>3 cups quick cooking oats<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 cup milk<br />
2 tbsp butter, melted<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
3/4 tsp salt<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
1/2 cup peanut butter<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients together. Spread into 9x13 greased pan.<br />
Bake 350 for 20-25 mins. If you like a little crunchy top cook for a few minutes longer.<br />
Serve warm with milk poured over top or dry like a breakfast bar.<br />
<br />
When I first saw this recipe I had to try it right away but I didn't quite have 3 cups of Oatmeal. So I did a half batch! It was perfect!<br />
<br />
Even my 2 'non-breakfast eaters' ate it!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-28392628818543313282010-10-10T15:17:00.000-04:002010-10-10T15:17:42.113-04:00A Short Story that Assulted My Heart<span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Based-Parenting-Tim-Kimmel/dp/0849905486?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Grace-Based Parenting" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0849905486&tag=shapin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0849905486" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span><br />
<span></span>I am reading <span><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Based-Parenting-Tim-Kimmel/dp/0849905486?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Grace Based Parenting</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shapin-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0849905486" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span> by Dr. Tim Kimmel. It is excellent and I recommend all Christian Partents read it. <br />
<br />
There is a reason I am reading this book. I need to show much more grace to my children. I am a hard liner and have high expectations of my children. High expectations can be good but when joy is gone and relationships are being torn down in the process it is not healthy. Constant assessment is necessary. How quickly we forget. I know I need constant reminder. To be gracious and to remember what Christ has done for me ~ a sinner.<br />
<br />
I am going to directly quote Dr. Kimmel as to not mess up the story. My question to you is... Are you this kind of parent? or wife for that matter? I am. I need a softer heart. My prayer is Lord, change me. Let me love them. Soften my heart and let me see as you see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-UCHVRA9qHUeFjWF6VuOWQWcD_j8bS2wS4nnZGPQUdlDJxsFFQDlTUbaV5A8RpmojNhGPdxy20ixsm63xtghUS6yBJgeeFc6NHEDZhwZBLkJ_8gX_1JETJo0arsyxkWcUYjb0j42qg4/s1600/breakfastbuffet%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-UCHVRA9qHUeFjWF6VuOWQWcD_j8bS2wS4nnZGPQUdlDJxsFFQDlTUbaV5A8RpmojNhGPdxy20ixsm63xtghUS6yBJgeeFc6NHEDZhwZBLkJ_8gX_1JETJo0arsyxkWcUYjb0j42qg4/s1600/breakfastbuffet%5B1%5D.gif" /></a></div>Kimmel writes, "I was sitting in a hotel resturant in Portland, Oregon. It was a Sunday Morning. I was catching a plane around noon, which afforded me the luxury of enjoying a leisurely breakfast. This restaurant offered an all-inclusive breakfast buffet, with a lower price for kids.<br />
<br />
A mom arrived with her two children: an infant and a boy approximately four years old. I noticed the boy right away. His face was filled with excitement, and his mouth was running a mile a minute as they circled the buffet line so that Mom could see the options. His mother held the infant while the boy followed along. He could barely contain his excitement. He saw fruit, the varieties of cereal, the pancakes and waffles, and the station where the chef made omelets to your specifications. Then I watched his eyes pop out his head as he studied the trays full o f breakfast "desserts" - blueberry muffins, bear claws, and assorted Danish. This brief chance to watch this enthusiastic boy check out the breakfast buffet quickly became the highlight of my morning. I was watching a boy designed by God take a big breath out of every moment. He was absolutely in love with his surroundings. He looked like a boy who had gone to food heaven.<br />
<br />
The hostess seated Mom and her two kids at the table directly across from me. The waitress filled thier water glasses adn asked if she could bring any coffee for the mother or juice for the kids. She asked if they were going to have the breakfast buffet.<br />
<br />
"My husband will be down in a few minutes," the mother replied. "He and I are going to have the buffet. You can bring a bowl of cornflakes and some milk for my boy."<br />
<br />
"Mom, no! I want to have the buffet too!" the boy instantly responded. It was obvious that this boy had already mapped out his plan on how he was going to attack this buffet.<br />
<br />
"You can't eat all that food. Most of it is just sugar. Forget it," the mom said curtly.<br />
<br />
"But Mom, I like that kind of food, that's what I was hoping for. Please?" he pleaded.<br />
<br />
"Forget it; you are not having the buffet, so hush up." She turned her back on the boy adn started to tend to her infant.<br />
<br />
"Ma'am, for just a dollar and a half more than cornflakes, he could have the buffet," the waitress offered. She could see how anxious the boy was. <br />
<br />
"No thanks. He doesn't need all of that food." The look on her face was a clear look of dismissal to the waitress.<br />
<br />
As the mother preoccupied herself with her baby, I watched this young boy who had been so filled with excitement start to quietly turn into himself. And then the tears started. His anticipation and excitement <strong>had been stilted.</strong> I gave the boy credit. He didn't cry out loud. He didn't argue, fuss, or make a scene. He just sat there and quietly hurt.<br />
<br />
Dad arrived with the newspaper under his arm, sized up the situation, sat down in his chair and asked the boy why he was crying.<br />
"I wanted to have the buffet, but Mom doesn't want me to."<br />
He turned to his wife. "What's up? Why can't he have the buffet?"<br />
She gave him the same practical and nutritional arguments she'd given the boy a few minutes earlier.<br />
<br />
"Look, we're on vacation," Dad said. "He's never had an opportunity to do this before. The difference in cost is chump change. We can easily afford it. And as far as waste goes, what we don't eat they are most likely going to throw away."<br />
<br />
There was a brief back-and-forth discussion before the mother gave in and agreed to let the boy have the buffet. His countenance immediately reverted back to that excited little boy who made the inital review for food stations. Within a minute, son and father were off to attack the buffet.<br />
<br />
I had so much fun watching this boy go from station to station to get a little bit of everything. He saw people toast their bagels, so he did it, too. He could barely reach the toaster, but an older lady took joy in helping him work it. He got pancakes and a waffle and piled syrup and whipped cream on them. I loved the way he got in the omelet line, waited his turn, and then told the chef what he wanted, which was a little bit of everything. His final trips out were to the dessert station. I say trips because he made two. Before he was done, he had a sampling of each of the little desserts that had been laid out.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Mom was feeding the baby, and Dad had taken a position at the table where he could spread out his newspaper. When the boy got all that he had been looking forward to having, he commenced to work his way through the breakfast feast. I was completely enjoying watching this little boy getting to experience this rare treat.<br />
<br />
That's when Mom finally finished all feeding responsibilities of her infant and turned to study the various plates of food in front of her son.<br />
And she started.<br />
"Why did you get both pancakes and waffles? And what's with all the whipped cream? You've never had that before. Did you have any idea of what you were putting on this thing?<br />
She got her husband's attention. "Look at all of this. He even got an omelet."<br />
She turned her attention back to the boy. "Why on earth did you order and omelet?" she demanded. "There is no way you can eat all of that." Pointing to the desserts, she said, "You get one, count'em, one of these desserts. Pick the one you want because I'm gonna bring the rest back. Why do you need dessert anyway? It's breakfast, for crying out loud."<br />
<br />
As she went through her diatribe, I watched the boy's countenance fall. This time it looked like a combination of helplessness and hopelessness. He tried to eat everything on the assorted plates, but his mother reminded him several times how foolish he had been for getting so much stuff. As promised, she took all but one of the desserts away from him and then berated her husband for not listening to her. Once she ad adequately spoiled everyone's meal with guilt and condescension, she stood up and passed through the buffet line for herself. I just sat there and watched a little boy slowly eating his waffles, whipped cream coming out from the corners of his mouth, with tears streaming down he young face. By the time his mom got back, all the joy had drained from him.<br />
<br />
My questions are these: Was it worth it? Is that how God treats us? Does God tease us with good things, insult us for being excited about them, and then scold us for enjoying them? He is a God of Grace......<br />
<br />
Eventually this boy will grow up and become a young man heading out on his own. I don't doubt that he'll feel that his mother loved him, but unless she changes the way she's operating, he has little chance of leaving home with secure love - the kind of love that has registered on his heart that his parenets enjoy him just the way he is.<br />
<br />
<br />
This story struck a chord in my heart. I am very task oriented and thing much like this mom. I need to slow down and THINK about what I am saying, and how it affects others.<br />
In fact, when I was reading this I was sitting in the opening of our mini van door because our youngest had fallen asleep on the way home from church. My husband went in the house with the other two children and he fed them some lunch. I was happy to get a quiet moment to read while the baby slept. After a few minutes of reading. My husband came outside and said, "Here you go!" and happily handed me a sandwich he had prepared for me! Would you believe what I did? I said, "You said that so loud! Now you woke up the baby!"<br />
<br />
Oh, my sick and sinful heart. I could have said, "Thank you so much for makeing this for me!"<br />
Instead, I overlooked the sweetness, the joy, the servant heart and pointed out the inconvience and annoyance that I felt.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you. But I NEED to work on this. Being a mom can get you trapped in a one track thinking mode. I need to step back and peek inside at the tone I am setting for my family.<br />
<br />
I WILL do better! Starting TODAY!Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-86391672886074498112010-09-04T10:02:00.000-04:002010-09-04T10:02:17.727-04:00A Reminder for those Difficult Days.On a particularly tough day with little kids and house of chaos, I sought the support and encouragement from friends. This is one of the responses that touched my heart and brought things back into perspective. I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf_I1xkcYYz1GR1WQiXzrjVAOVUhLZ_hBBxC19VpGdE9cjqbPmRGFGsQzZAy6CsxWC6VZcnnA1RxPWSQQvY92acl6PWro6_Uy8aaiOk6Ggn2moZnIh_bQKFieVDJf332HaCpzgCLsNhQ/s1600/cheerios_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf_I1xkcYYz1GR1WQiXzrjVAOVUhLZ_hBBxC19VpGdE9cjqbPmRGFGsQzZAy6CsxWC6VZcnnA1RxPWSQQvY92acl6PWro6_Uy8aaiOk6Ggn2moZnIh_bQKFieVDJf332HaCpzgCLsNhQ/s320/cheerios_0001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
One day my mother walked into the family room and found most of the Cheerios box dumped out all over the floor. My brother was messing around with something he shouldn't have been, and I was sitting in the middle of the floor with my hand in the Cheerios box. We were about 3 and 4 years old. As she told the story later, she asked herself, "Should I cry now? Should I scold? Or ... should I take a picture?" She took a picture. (This was unlike her. Usually she cried or yelled.) She sat and ate Cheerios with us. Eventually, I suppose she vacuumed them up.<br />
<br />
<br />
I still have that picture she took of the chaos. I love that picture. That house is long gone. Cheerios are long since cleaned up. My awesome brother and his lovely wife live in a different state. My mother died when I was a teenager, long ago. She was not a perfect mother. Still, I miss her, and I wish she were here. Well, she's not, but I do still have that picture. I'm so glad she chose that option -- admit you don't know what to do, and instead of crying or yelling or scolding about it, take a picture and just sit for a minute. Have a handful of Cheerios.Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-17859844366704598752010-09-03T11:45:00.001-04:002010-09-03T11:52:27.721-04:00On an Organizing Roll!Here are some other projects I have been at lately.<br />
I am a huge fan of photos. I will go beyond saying I am a visual learner. I love to snoop into other peoples lives.....in order to glean all of the best and to implement those things in my own life.<br />
<br />
So here are a couple more things:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJORnNblVDROrYC2SzJC-rv-FDuD2Z96IEOP9bo2FyVHINJkFPAUeATuflHarKF7cXarVUAfbLF4kNVgge_pgizAdpoS4bXog94afYfPyUAFeiUSmUIviByakl8as-waJErMVYALd3mfU/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJORnNblVDROrYC2SzJC-rv-FDuD2Z96IEOP9bo2FyVHINJkFPAUeATuflHarKF7cXarVUAfbLF4kNVgge_pgizAdpoS4bXog94afYfPyUAFeiUSmUIviByakl8as-waJErMVYALd3mfU/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hanging files are not a real attractive color but it is what we had on hand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_R_KFpTTi7ablFIlvGoM5FmJB-wEaspc80iMhyphenhyphenZdq9_XMQj331EsxMMwDsd-eRIEnYixwGyvpQvwB1BsB-Un1ayxDVbIIgw6BPCQjKEAVFQfNb2HShYP0CO6TbKgO6uvokwJt-33c-g/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_R_KFpTTi7ablFIlvGoM5FmJB-wEaspc80iMhyphenhyphenZdq9_XMQj331EsxMMwDsd-eRIEnYixwGyvpQvwB1BsB-Un1ayxDVbIIgw6BPCQjKEAVFQfNb2HShYP0CO6TbKgO6uvokwJt-33c-g/s320/IMG_3465.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of paper collecting on our dining room table, I figured this would be a nice alternative.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV5KQwKKv4M8yjje0VxQas0C_Ti-z2hn8Aat3jGolWQquMP4iUWMVlVOwyG9oM400fGvGAPpmNA8tBB8PZWKC_jUFVgjkaYQ53d6Oho4KwjynYFXWVALX5t_9NIPK3cAoLz0Jf7znuRc/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV5KQwKKv4M8yjje0VxQas0C_Ti-z2hn8Aat3jGolWQquMP4iUWMVlVOwyG9oM400fGvGAPpmNA8tBB8PZWKC_jUFVgjkaYQ53d6Oho4KwjynYFXWVALX5t_9NIPK3cAoLz0Jf7znuRc/s320/IMG_3468.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My coupon holder! Inside is baseball card protector sheets.<br />
Much better than wadded up in the bottom of me purse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGSSzh_uZ02o8qc_p_khTzzxa31lZZxtfaAxv4I5tgXYc2849MjKblQdBaYY_u4JSdblfZ6mnExUgHOfDS6loqo5fPp-mW4BkEVi7N4M-uv7WGOtfWPwkIDv5vwuS5HHw2sS7bd9oUnk/s1600/IMG_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGSSzh_uZ02o8qc_p_khTzzxa31lZZxtfaAxv4I5tgXYc2849MjKblQdBaYY_u4JSdblfZ6mnExUgHOfDS6loqo5fPp-mW4BkEVi7N4M-uv7WGOtfWPwkIDv5vwuS5HHw2sS7bd9oUnk/s320/IMG_3469.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AHJLU91Y93XrPT4T3qnKYJUs0kWMRS43RTISvPDoFVMqfVHn3jLEhxCEOzjBp_c9OCxo-gvoiK_HeubajpRIAS7C7TSonnORM-8cA_PkW5lTLl0cF_VORfKvZO1YDqRQeKy5jPzgWaE/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AHJLU91Y93XrPT4T3qnKYJUs0kWMRS43RTISvPDoFVMqfVHn3jLEhxCEOzjBp_c9OCxo-gvoiK_HeubajpRIAS7C7TSonnORM-8cA_PkW5lTLl0cF_VORfKvZO1YDqRQeKy5jPzgWaE/s320/IMG_3470.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah. I can breathe a little easier already!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-17040468684437781482010-09-01T14:40:00.002-04:002010-09-01T19:42:58.340-04:00Cleaning SystemReally. I think this should be called: <em><strong>"Now I have three mobile children and I just can't wing it anymore. I need a system that thinks for me." </strong></em><br />
When this inspiration first hit me I was so excited. But then I reminded myself that <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong> still had to be <em>disciplined</em> and do the <em>work</em>. This is just a system to help guide me better.<br />
<br />
It is a variation taken from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sidetracked-Home-Executives-TM-Paradise/dp/0446677671?ie=UTF8&tag=shapin-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sidetracked Home Executives</a>. I have read blogs about others making up this 3 x 5 index card system and it just seemed to make sense to me.<br />
<br />
So here is what I have put together. It is kinda a bit of a brain teaser but I know over time will be a smooth as any other habit.<br />
<br />
I followed <a href="http://www.teachingmom.com/helps/SHEplan.pdf">this set of directions</a> to get it all in order.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ztq9awmnlLj2-iLdPWzsoeNjwhvgWsS05EW19sDq8os3Rz6qS5KjMUF3LgDuUjDux66wkNj8uKwiYMRIm-G8hiBvMHuKJFK0eFM87v2tcDVrxtCDtvZBNRxD9cBlAX5ILg9becjw08c/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ztq9awmnlLj2-iLdPWzsoeNjwhvgWsS05EW19sDq8os3Rz6qS5KjMUF3LgDuUjDux66wkNj8uKwiYMRIm-G8hiBvMHuKJFK0eFM87v2tcDVrxtCDtvZBNRxD9cBlAX5ILg9becjw08c/s320/IMG_3455.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the box that will make my house clean! With little help from me of course.<br />
The cards have numbers 1-31 for each day of the month. You can assign monthly tasks to a certain day (number) for each month.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMPUw_FSeKo15-93G_OFoQJmnst7rmzqWvHDHmZGzaBYkTptHK8MJvfJ2PoPpORs0FG4tU2FriF7n4UsN9qb8h1bgUsdeVZo4UT4t_GdypXk0sfLc-EHhsFFBGNU_au5ujXGSn_sjnd0/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMPUw_FSeKo15-93G_OFoQJmnst7rmzqWvHDHmZGzaBYkTptHK8MJvfJ2PoPpORs0FG4tU2FriF7n4UsN9qb8h1bgUsdeVZo4UT4t_GdypXk0sfLc-EHhsFFBGNU_au5ujXGSn_sjnd0/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This set of yellow cards will be in each day. So when I complete the task I move it the <br />
the next day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCswSTQDCVHed4xUQK0wxab58QQ73JxbDHa6Z324_f85fkvAra_TkmfdcfXGDOob_PD47TC_rTIfWSQQH0-OyZU81pTNJYX7SkQscsa9Z23yxmR_Re-2g1Z7p_kS3SyGcUeL6a5c7cJ00/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCswSTQDCVHed4xUQK0wxab58QQ73JxbDHa6Z324_f85fkvAra_TkmfdcfXGDOob_PD47TC_rTIfWSQQH0-OyZU81pTNJYX7SkQscsa9Z23yxmR_Re-2g1Z7p_kS3SyGcUeL6a5c7cJ00/s320/IMG_3459.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The months of the year are for seasonal tasks like cleaning <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">out the garage, gardening, cleaning the gutters, etc. I haven't </div>touched this yet. I need to get the inside of the house in order <br />
first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFv3yRWdHG9nwTTLteZt_ab1qgffSq32s-eM1ZlMvoWqZshzdLSb8WKwnC5pM6BsFO04FQH2TaelbWGYI8ptkExw1PZmTl9ySZQm296ugnZgWNm8sob8TEzyGzWpoQs1g_S3DlyeuHyw/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFv3yRWdHG9nwTTLteZt_ab1qgffSq32s-eM1ZlMvoWqZshzdLSb8WKwnC5pM6BsFO04FQH2TaelbWGYI8ptkExw1PZmTl9ySZQm296ugnZgWNm8sob8TEzyGzWpoQs1g_S3DlyeuHyw/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Here are each of the categories I would see each day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiti9D1Q7bT-dDCCy9xq7pQMmJUxN1_XXITnr9jI-9ls2mN-AkRH2_xscdueMvZnAB3shRqOdgSVI9otI3-fJmR0W1jQ_EeCAo92g0_EU4mXdBsTmfGCsfMUBBzsoDSIsgV5WXrYpJTHE/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiti9D1Q7bT-dDCCy9xq7pQMmJUxN1_XXITnr9jI-9ls2mN-AkRH2_xscdueMvZnAB3shRqOdgSVI9otI3-fJmR0W1jQ_EeCAo92g0_EU4mXdBsTmfGCsfMUBBzsoDSIsgV5WXrYpJTHE/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a shot of the actual tasks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIuEjwi1hriTReP23am6114kaT4mOfV0FfAEc9wn_uPfDs2gY7-_EB0jv2Eq14D_aCxnpLVYTTmWlQ3MpHCt9ZryFqrNqtKBXiJVnJgRiiLERm-H7LCbLGi5nzdTsEb0WdGtyUBT5LbE/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIuEjwi1hriTReP23am6114kaT4mOfV0FfAEc9wn_uPfDs2gY7-_EB0jv2Eq14D_aCxnpLVYTTmWlQ3MpHCt9ZryFqrNqtKBXiJVnJgRiiLERm-H7LCbLGi5nzdTsEb0WdGtyUBT5LbE/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0qhy6BpZQI8LaAV2tULnbwSp0eCUy19FlfAHsOttIPcS1HsotN5LYAICn1Fa4I_D326OdlKM23q3tBHQigdnQwqW5xAMFm5cMPiVJHwzHiYfBpU8hfO4Frx_mhJc2WULnN3clwY0drM/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0qhy6BpZQI8LaAV2tULnbwSp0eCUy19FlfAHsOttIPcS1HsotN5LYAICn1Fa4I_D326OdlKM23q3tBHQigdnQwqW5xAMFm5cMPiVJHwzHiYfBpU8hfO4Frx_mhJc2WULnN3clwY0drM/s320/IMG_3462.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah. Thank you Lord for our homes. And thank you for <br />
Sundays.<br />
<br />
<br />
As each day passes I move the cards to the next appropriate line up. If it is a <em>daily card</em>, I move it to the next day (except for Sunday).<br />
If it is a weekly card I move the card 7 days back.<br />
If it is a bi-weekly card I move it 14 days back.<br />
If it is monthly card I can leave it there cause monthly cards are assigned to a certain number of the month. Make sense? So washing the door mat will happen on the 15th of each month so it stays in the 15 slot.<br />
<br />
As time goes on, I will work out the bugs and likely thing of more tasks to add to the box. As the kids get older I will also add the responsible person's name to the chore.<br />
I even thought I could add a bible verse to read each day. Over time it will be memorized.<br />
<br />
Okay. I just made a little change. I made duplicates of all the cards except for the daily ones. I wanted all the cards to stay where they are to make it easier. Now I only have to move the daily cards to tomorrows slot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566264822792117348.post-3223956979444374582010-08-25T16:19:00.000-04:002010-08-25T16:19:44.058-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietvS84rKKmoq3CGDJYPKwAvDvOfSMWB7oUO8pFHdi5YeGbkEy0AVgwRSKbiKpYUl9FzY_FXrR6HC39mJBejesGHto7Z93SlUUwkBWotIVa8o5dVFut4B99vIdbC70upq4g0c_C_xObcw/s1600/teaching_prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietvS84rKKmoq3CGDJYPKwAvDvOfSMWB7oUO8pFHdi5YeGbkEy0AVgwRSKbiKpYUl9FzY_FXrR6HC39mJBejesGHto7Z93SlUUwkBWotIVa8o5dVFut4B99vIdbC70upq4g0c_C_xObcw/s320/teaching_prayer.jpg" /></a></div>During a time of challenge with my almost 3 year old I sought council from a friend who has 5 children.<br />
<br />
I learned alot in that 1/2 hr conversation.<br />
<br />
My little girl was showing signs of anger and rebellion. Yes, two year olds are labeled as 'terrible' but this situation had a power behind it that was beyond what I even had imagined. <br />
<br />
We PRAYED. We had our Pastor and Elders PRAY over her, we prayed more. It was ugly. I was in tears and didn't know what had happened to my little girl, how we got to this place and how to get out of it. <br />
<br />
Here is what I learned.<br />
<br />
My friend's words were.<br />
"This is a time of restoration. Stop all chastisement (for a time) and show her LOVE. Respond differently to her."<br />
<br />
Boy was that hard. The behaviors that were so disruptive to our home demanded some sort of correction. But I listened to my friend. I stopped chastising for the rebellion. I spoke softly to her. I sat on the floor more with her. I remained calm.<br />
<br />
There was only one thing I would chastise for. Not coming when I called her name.<br />
We practiced (and still do). "When mommy calls your name I want you to come to me and say, 'Okay mom, I am coming!' okay? I will go over here and you wait for me to call you."<br />
For a week we did not leave our house. These issues can not be dealt with when in public can going out so much only allowed these habits to linger on. But that is a post for another day.<br />
<br />
Each time she came to me when we practiced, she would get a reward. Sometimes it was an M&M, sometimes a hug, sometimes a high 5! The positive attention was winning back my little girl. I told her. "When you don't obey and don't come when I call you, I will spank you." Rarely does that even happen anymore. I say rarely. I know we will have to keep practicing!<br />
<br />
Now, those other deviance's and rebellion do still show up. So instead of spanking her, my friend suggested time out in a confined area. Her bed was too much freedom. She would get out and throw things. The couch was too much freedom. She would flop her body all over and kick and get off the couch.<br />
The solution was an extra 5 point harness car seat we had in storage. I would fasten her in every time there was a blow up. She would stay there until she was calm and her heart was willing to apologize for the offense.<br />
<br />
It is working! Thanks be to our Lord who hears our prayers!<br />
<br />
The time outs aren't lasting near as long as they used to. (At one time it lasted an hour and a half!<br />
<br />
I have also learned that you can't <strong>make</strong> a child do anything. It really is all about relationship.<br />
<br />
Some things we just need to learn on our own. But I thank God for women/moms who are willing to share their time and wisdom with me.<br />
Thank you Julie!Shaper of Little Soulshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02745921939543066256noreply@blogger.com5