Notables

Prince Caspian

Missyj — Thur, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:22 GMT

My daughters were watching Prince Caspian this morning when I noticed a lesson from Lewis' work I hadn't thought about before. There is a scene where the Narnians are being attacked by the bad guys and it looks like they're sure to lose. They've fought hard and used some very clever strategy. They sent their youngest sister to find Aslan, a type of Christ.

The three oldest children along with the Narnians find themselves trapped. Their fortress has collapsed, cutting off all retreat. The enemy is far more numerous and powerful. They're out of options. The opposing general sort of smirks and says, "crush them." First Peter, then the other two assess the situation and you can see it register they're probably about to die. They square their shoulders and rush in, saying, "for Aslan."

Aslan is their only hope. They still hope he will intervene, and will carry on until he does.

When we're out of options, that's the attitude and stance that most honors our King. We can put our hope in Him, do all we can to honor Him, and wait for Him to deliver us.

Saying no

Missyj — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:51:23 GMT

My youngest daughter has epilepsy, and our family is still learning to cope. Drugs work for a time, then her body seems to adjust (it's called the "honeymoon effect").

I keep reading about the ketogenic diet, which is basically a modified Atkins--severe carb restrictions, high fat. I've avoided the idea, since it seemed so restrictive for a 7-year-old.

This week she's had several seizures that seemed externally mild, but the after-effects (post-dictal period) are worse than the event itself. After a seizure she can't talk for over an hour. She's confused and disoriented. We've increased her medication so much between the drugs and the seizures she seems to be slipping away from us.

2 out of 3 kids on the modified Atkins diet experience at least 50 % fewer seizures. 19 % are both seizure-free even without medication. Many more are able to reduce their medicines and still have seizure control.

2 out of 3. I think those are good odds.

Sarah thinks she wants chocolate and pretzels and cake. I keep telling her no, and it breaks my heart. I know she doesn't understand. Plus it's an awful lot of work to do all that chopping and cheese grating. It would be simpler to hand her a dough-nut.

However, I love her. I hate what seizures are doing to her. I will do anything to help her, even if she's mad and doesn't understand. I can see past the candy bar and think of the (possible) long-term affect so many drugs might have on her body.

I used to worry about what was fair. I wanted her to have everything her sister had. However, life isn't fair. It's not fair she has seizures when the rest of us don't. Right now that's immaterial. As her mother I shouldn't do what's fair, I should do what's best for her. It's horrible for everyone, but for me, it's how I love her.

How many times have I thrown a fit when God hasn't given me whats fair? What seems the simplest solution? I am so unable to accept it is His love.

With Sarah, I know she can't understand. It's okay if she's mad. I told her today if she can't have something she wants and she hates it, it's okay to say so. We must take care with God to not become resentful, but to let Him hear our struggle while trusting His love.

Check in every week!

zekeallen — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:12:02 GMT

DEVOTIONABLES.F2T COMING SOON!!!

Christmas Idea

JoP — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:29:36 GMT

What is everyone doing for christmas. I had a christmas party for my girls. I got to thinking kids never get to have fun like the adults do having christmas parties. We had ornaments to make and little pizzas cut out in christmas shapes using cookie cutters. The kids loved it. We sang christmas carols and did word searches. Lots of fun, seeing little children smile and laugh. I will do it again.

Dr. Says

Missyj — Thur, 31 Jul 2008 01:08:42 GMT

Wondering what to put in that lunch box? (Besides a note, of course.) I know it's about time to start thinking about that again. I saw a few good ideas on the news tonight. Catch the recap and some recipes at http://jennifershumd.com/.

Summer ideas?

Missyj — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:40:32 GMT

My oldest, Emily, is off to camp this week! She always looks so big until something like this happens. She looked very small and unsure climbing the steps of the big charter bus. Her little sister clung to her and cried like she'd never see her again, which made me cry too!

Anyway, sentimental as it was, I was glad for camp, especially since I've already heard that nasally whine "I'm bo-o-o-o-red" several times.

How are you all keeping your kids busy this summer? Any creative, fun, inexpensive ideas out there?

Poverty

Missyj — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:20:07 GMT

My girls (ages 6 and 9) went to the 5th grade hallway to see their upper-classmates' project. The 5th graders have been studying poverty in other countries. The girls were disturbed by what they saw. I feel like the photos were too much for their age, but the information surrounds us.

They both told me about pictures of children with pronounced hip bones and ribs because they were starving.

I remember after Katrina when Emily asked, "Mom, couldn't God stop the storm? Why didn't He?" Brilliant minds grapple with such questions. I wasn't ready to deal with them quite so soon.

At the dinner table we talk about what's going on in Myanmar and China. We correspond with the girl in China who supplied the tins for Devotionables. They also make tins for Papo, and when the company sent us the sample of Devotionables' tin, she also tucked Papo tins into the package for the girls.

"Maybe they use it to carry pencil to school," she told me. She hopes to have children of her own one day, but right now she lives in one room at her factory where she cooks on a hot plate and sends money to her family.

How do you dialogue with your children about world events? What questions have they asked that caught you off guard?

Narnia, Prince Caspian

zekeallen — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:10:39 GMT

We watched it and thought it was great!!! Tell us what you think about it!

Zeke

Gas prices

Missyj — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:08:14 GMT

Have they affected your Memorial Day plans? What about summer travel?

For the Moms

Missyj — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:44:11 GMT

For the moms out there...what surprises you most about motherhood? What is your favorite part of the stage you're in? What would you do differently if you could start again?

About Mom

Missyj — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:41:42 GMT

Tomorrow's Mother's Day. What are your thoughts? Anything you wish you could say to your Mom?

What are your favorite memories of her? What do you admire most about her? What quality did she have you most wish for?

New Survey: Cost of Family Fragmentation

Dubld — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:51:30 GMT

Americanvalues.org has recently released another survey about the American family, specifically regarding the cost of family fragmentation. I find this interesting, disturbing, and very much worth study.

http://www.americanvalues.org/html/coff_mediaadvisory.htm

What's up?

Dubld — Thur, 10 Apr 2008 17:47:00 GMT

Hey All!

How's it going? What's Jesus doing in your life?

Personally, He has been doing some pretty incredible stuff. He's confirmed His calling on my life, on our family and has provided some very specific and (what I'd consider) very BIG financial needs for my family just recently. I am amazed, but not suprised. After all, that's the kind of God we serve - the God who loves to serve and suprise us, the God to whom everything under the heavens and the earth belongs. He is almighty, He is holy. He is my Savior, my Lord, and my Friend!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Would you please pray for me?

shadowman — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 03:01:38 GMT

I changed the oil in my truck today. I restarted the truck and oil went everywhere! Maybe I did something wrong?
I talked to Autozone and they said I probably have a seal broken. Please help!!

Shadowman

P.S. I know this is DEVOTIONABLES forum but I need any help I can get!

Thank you so much!

HE IS NOT HERE!

MavmIN — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:21:54 GMT

The cross is now bare,

But He was there.

He gave His life upon that tree

So He might save from sin both you and me.

He arose and now sits there above

Longing to give us His sweet love!