Thursday, September 30, 2010

Friendly Humor

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 2:17 PM 1 comments
My friend! My friend! Come in, come in.
It's so good to see you again, 10, my friend.

Let's catch up, chat and visit for a while;
Have a cup of coffee, maybe walk a mile.

Sit down, kick your heels up; don't tarry too long though.
My old friend 8 is on her way, and then you will have to go!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

What if

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 9:12 AM 1 comments
My recent reading of Max Lucado's book OutLIVE Your LIfe has inspired me to ask some new questions of myself. Questions that would be good for all of us to ask. The main one is:

What can I do to make a difference?

In some ways, I've been asking these questions for a while now. I try to share life with others, giving in small ways. Passing on maternity clothes. Donating or consigning at reasonable prices children's clothes. Cooking a meal. Exchanging child care. While I think I have been obedient in serving those in my immediate circle (some days more than others), I am now being stretched to see how I can serve those that would cause me to step out of my comfort zone.

Many of us believe, say, and reinforce that we dont' have time? But is that true? How much time do we spend in front of the television? How much time to we spend surfing the net? How many activities do we sign our children up for? How often do we get together to have fun? We all have time, we choose how we spend it. We can choose to spend it differently.

What if

* We signed our child/ren up for one less activity and instead did some family volunteering each week/month?

*We gave up eating out once a week/month and donated that money to a feeding program for some of the millions of starving children in the world?

*We watered our lawn one less time a week and donated that money to a clean water well drilling program?

*We spent a "ladies night out" serving the poor a healthy meal?

*We used a family vacation to go on a mission trip instead of going to a theme park?

There are probably many other quetions we could as ourselves. Many other ways we can give. Won't giving to others teach our children all the things we wish to teach them? Isn't that what Jesus taught us?

What impact on our personal world and the world at large would we have if we decided to give a little more, and then followed through on it?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Out LIVE Your Life

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 6:52 AM 0 comments
Sometimes God makes things as clear as the full moon on a cloudless night. Lately, I feel like that's what He's been doing. In several different ways, He has been whispering to me to look to the possibilities of what I can do instead of my limitations as a homeschooling mom of four under 8. There are a lot of things I don't do - including go to the grocery store very often. I can do it, I prefer not to.

However, through two different books, one fiction and one nonfiction, a personal experience, and a special speaker at our church, God has been calling me out of my box that I've firmly planted around me and my children.

Now, there are things I shouldn't do. It wouldn't be wise to try to do every conference, girl's night, and fun opportunity that comes along. Nor would it be wise to be in a different homeschooling group every day of the week. These are good boundaries to have. I don't need to limit myself in what I can do for other people, though.

In reading Max Lucado's newest book - OutLIVE Your Life - I was deeply enouraged to ask what difference I can make on a daily basis. One of the final statements sums it up: "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." Using personal stories and scripture in a way that it becomes relevent to everyday life, Lucado lays the foundation for a life that will be dynamic and full of love. He does so in a way that is entertaining, heartfelt and God-focused. This is definitely a five-gold-star book!

Get it, read it, then live it. You'll be amazed how God will use you. What He will make of your life. I'm excited to see what He does as I strive to be obedient and make the difference He made me to make.

Monday, September 20, 2010

To Balance Me Out

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 3:19 PM 0 comments
My post last Friday was bluntly honest about one of my most frustrating faults - forgetfulness. As I was walking early in the morning (in the perfect 63 degrees late summer, early morning air), God brought something to my attention. Although I may be forgetful, He is not. He's never forgotten anyone. ANYONE. EVER.

That is a thought that I could sit and mediate on for a while. Instead, this morning, I walked and thought about it. God not only knows each of us, but He knows every hair on our head, our hearts, and our thoughts. And He still loves us. Still offers complete forgiveness for ever time we have sinned either by commission or ommission. He forgave me for forgetting my neighbor over 2000 years ago as His very own blood was flowing from the body He chose to put His Spirit in for 33 years.

He knew each mistake I was going to make before He ever called me to love Him, serve Him, and start my own ministry. He also knew that I would fight my flesh to become obedient to Him. And that's why I think He's allowed me all the priveleges He has.

So, as you look at yourself and those around you - how so very far short we fall from perfection - remember that there is a perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves You. Allow that information to help you gird up your garments and continue to run the race He has set before you, not growing weary in doing good.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Mommy Brain

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 2:01 PM 0 comments
Do you suffer from Mommy Brain? You know - forgetting things constantly. Walking from one room to the other and forgetting what you came in there for. Forgetting that you put a child in time out.

This morning I walked into the kitchen and found a container of pasta that I'd left out on the counter last night. 'Oh, well,' I thought. 'Now it's not tempting me anymore.' Earlier this week I forgot a person. A person! I was supposed to give a neighbor a ride home from church Wednesday night, got distracted in the search for a missing passy and transferring a friend's car seats to her car and didn't remember until I passed her house - a full fifteen minutes later!

How could I forget a person??? My husband laughed. My neighbor forgave me. I am trying to stop beating myself up. In order to help, I'm looking at what I can do to help my poor over-exercised brain.

Have any suggestions??

One thing, I'm going to try to go back to writing everything down. The old adage is true: hear it - remember 10%, say it - remember 30%, write it, remember 70%, practice it - remember 90%. In order to do this, I must pay more attention to what I'm doing.

As a mom, I'm used to multi-tasking. When I'm listening to praise music, cooking, answering a multitude of questions or folding laundry, watching a movie, and trying to get in my water for the day, multi-tasking can be good. But, in many instances, it simply means I'm not paying as close attention to what I'm doing as I should. e.g. Talking on the phone and checking email at the same time is not productive. I miss half of both.

So, I will go back to making lists and try to be more aware of what's going on. I'd be more than happy to hear any other suggestions that have helped other moms suffering from Mommy Brain!

Friday, September 10, 2010

First Week of School

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 7:22 AM 0 comments
I thought that having school start on a holiday week would be a good thing. A shorter week. Woohoo! But, here it is Friday, the week's almost over and we've gotten almost nowhere. I should add that: I homeschool, missed doing laundry on Monday because of the holiday, started a new homeschooling group {Classical Conversations} Tuesday, had a Dr.'s appt. and shopping for my mom's wedding to do on Wednesday, found out I'm anemic (on top of having low Vit. D - no wonder I crash in the afternoons!), and had a play date for the kids w/some other homeschoolers Thursday morning. I feel like a week in, we're already behind!

I am glad that the onslaught of other activities haven't started, putting more into our schedule. Maybe easing into all the activities (Awana, children's choir, dance, and Ladies' Small Group) is a good thing. Time to get myself organized. So far, I haven't made a good transition back to school.

The factor that makes it all work - we homeschool! I don't have to have it all together all at once (Thank God!.) We can get a slow start, like the tortiose, but if we rev up and keep going steady, we'll still win the race. That rabbit that took off out of the gate sprinting will have nothing on us!

Now, I'm going to go get ready for another day of teaching, running the house, and trying to keep everyone healthily fed! It works for us (even though some days it just works us :).

For all those moms out there working their own schedules and managing their families, I send blessing, grace, mercy, and peace as you lead your children into the world one step at a time - no matter whether that's by way of homeschool, private school, or public school. Take time to drink a cup of coffee (or tea, or smoothie) and keep in touch with your mommy friends as the school year takes off like the space shuttle - on a holiday week.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Book Review

Posted by Tracy Wainwright at 1:08 PM 0 comments
I recently had an opportunity to read "Captured by Grace" by David Jeremiah, one of my favorite preachers. As expected, the book was well organized and thouroughly Biblical. I enjoyed the opening chapters most, as I learned more about John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." As the book went on, it continued to expound on essential elements of the grace God gives us, shedding light on many truths found in the Word. I would give this book four out of five stars only because while it is well written and focuses on God and His Word, it is not one that I can't put down. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it as a great addition to any library.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Friendly Humor

My friend! My friend! Come in, come in.
It's so good to see you again, 10, my friend.

Let's catch up, chat and visit for a while;
Have a cup of coffee, maybe walk a mile.

Sit down, kick your heels up; don't tarry too long though.
My old friend 8 is on her way, and then you will have to go!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

What if

My recent reading of Max Lucado's book OutLIVE Your LIfe has inspired me to ask some new questions of myself. Questions that would be good for all of us to ask. The main one is:

What can I do to make a difference?

In some ways, I've been asking these questions for a while now. I try to share life with others, giving in small ways. Passing on maternity clothes. Donating or consigning at reasonable prices children's clothes. Cooking a meal. Exchanging child care. While I think I have been obedient in serving those in my immediate circle (some days more than others), I am now being stretched to see how I can serve those that would cause me to step out of my comfort zone.

Many of us believe, say, and reinforce that we dont' have time? But is that true? How much time do we spend in front of the television? How much time to we spend surfing the net? How many activities do we sign our children up for? How often do we get together to have fun? We all have time, we choose how we spend it. We can choose to spend it differently.

What if

* We signed our child/ren up for one less activity and instead did some family volunteering each week/month?

*We gave up eating out once a week/month and donated that money to a feeding program for some of the millions of starving children in the world?

*We watered our lawn one less time a week and donated that money to a clean water well drilling program?

*We spent a "ladies night out" serving the poor a healthy meal?

*We used a family vacation to go on a mission trip instead of going to a theme park?

There are probably many other quetions we could as ourselves. Many other ways we can give. Won't giving to others teach our children all the things we wish to teach them? Isn't that what Jesus taught us?

What impact on our personal world and the world at large would we have if we decided to give a little more, and then followed through on it?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Out LIVE Your Life

Sometimes God makes things as clear as the full moon on a cloudless night. Lately, I feel like that's what He's been doing. In several different ways, He has been whispering to me to look to the possibilities of what I can do instead of my limitations as a homeschooling mom of four under 8. There are a lot of things I don't do - including go to the grocery store very often. I can do it, I prefer not to.

However, through two different books, one fiction and one nonfiction, a personal experience, and a special speaker at our church, God has been calling me out of my box that I've firmly planted around me and my children.

Now, there are things I shouldn't do. It wouldn't be wise to try to do every conference, girl's night, and fun opportunity that comes along. Nor would it be wise to be in a different homeschooling group every day of the week. These are good boundaries to have. I don't need to limit myself in what I can do for other people, though.

In reading Max Lucado's newest book - OutLIVE Your Life - I was deeply enouraged to ask what difference I can make on a daily basis. One of the final statements sums it up: "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." Using personal stories and scripture in a way that it becomes relevent to everyday life, Lucado lays the foundation for a life that will be dynamic and full of love. He does so in a way that is entertaining, heartfelt and God-focused. This is definitely a five-gold-star book!

Get it, read it, then live it. You'll be amazed how God will use you. What He will make of your life. I'm excited to see what He does as I strive to be obedient and make the difference He made me to make.

Monday, September 20, 2010

To Balance Me Out

My post last Friday was bluntly honest about one of my most frustrating faults - forgetfulness. As I was walking early in the morning (in the perfect 63 degrees late summer, early morning air), God brought something to my attention. Although I may be forgetful, He is not. He's never forgotten anyone. ANYONE. EVER.

That is a thought that I could sit and mediate on for a while. Instead, this morning, I walked and thought about it. God not only knows each of us, but He knows every hair on our head, our hearts, and our thoughts. And He still loves us. Still offers complete forgiveness for ever time we have sinned either by commission or ommission. He forgave me for forgetting my neighbor over 2000 years ago as His very own blood was flowing from the body He chose to put His Spirit in for 33 years.

He knew each mistake I was going to make before He ever called me to love Him, serve Him, and start my own ministry. He also knew that I would fight my flesh to become obedient to Him. And that's why I think He's allowed me all the priveleges He has.

So, as you look at yourself and those around you - how so very far short we fall from perfection - remember that there is a perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves You. Allow that information to help you gird up your garments and continue to run the race He has set before you, not growing weary in doing good.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Mommy Brain

Do you suffer from Mommy Brain? You know - forgetting things constantly. Walking from one room to the other and forgetting what you came in there for. Forgetting that you put a child in time out.

This morning I walked into the kitchen and found a container of pasta that I'd left out on the counter last night. 'Oh, well,' I thought. 'Now it's not tempting me anymore.' Earlier this week I forgot a person. A person! I was supposed to give a neighbor a ride home from church Wednesday night, got distracted in the search for a missing passy and transferring a friend's car seats to her car and didn't remember until I passed her house - a full fifteen minutes later!

How could I forget a person??? My husband laughed. My neighbor forgave me. I am trying to stop beating myself up. In order to help, I'm looking at what I can do to help my poor over-exercised brain.

Have any suggestions??

One thing, I'm going to try to go back to writing everything down. The old adage is true: hear it - remember 10%, say it - remember 30%, write it, remember 70%, practice it - remember 90%. In order to do this, I must pay more attention to what I'm doing.

As a mom, I'm used to multi-tasking. When I'm listening to praise music, cooking, answering a multitude of questions or folding laundry, watching a movie, and trying to get in my water for the day, multi-tasking can be good. But, in many instances, it simply means I'm not paying as close attention to what I'm doing as I should. e.g. Talking on the phone and checking email at the same time is not productive. I miss half of both.

So, I will go back to making lists and try to be more aware of what's going on. I'd be more than happy to hear any other suggestions that have helped other moms suffering from Mommy Brain!

Friday, September 10, 2010

First Week of School

I thought that having school start on a holiday week would be a good thing. A shorter week. Woohoo! But, here it is Friday, the week's almost over and we've gotten almost nowhere. I should add that: I homeschool, missed doing laundry on Monday because of the holiday, started a new homeschooling group {Classical Conversations} Tuesday, had a Dr.'s appt. and shopping for my mom's wedding to do on Wednesday, found out I'm anemic (on top of having low Vit. D - no wonder I crash in the afternoons!), and had a play date for the kids w/some other homeschoolers Thursday morning. I feel like a week in, we're already behind!

I am glad that the onslaught of other activities haven't started, putting more into our schedule. Maybe easing into all the activities (Awana, children's choir, dance, and Ladies' Small Group) is a good thing. Time to get myself organized. So far, I haven't made a good transition back to school.

The factor that makes it all work - we homeschool! I don't have to have it all together all at once (Thank God!.) We can get a slow start, like the tortiose, but if we rev up and keep going steady, we'll still win the race. That rabbit that took off out of the gate sprinting will have nothing on us!

Now, I'm going to go get ready for another day of teaching, running the house, and trying to keep everyone healthily fed! It works for us (even though some days it just works us :).

For all those moms out there working their own schedules and managing their families, I send blessing, grace, mercy, and peace as you lead your children into the world one step at a time - no matter whether that's by way of homeschool, private school, or public school. Take time to drink a cup of coffee (or tea, or smoothie) and keep in touch with your mommy friends as the school year takes off like the space shuttle - on a holiday week.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Book Review

I recently had an opportunity to read "Captured by Grace" by David Jeremiah, one of my favorite preachers. As expected, the book was well organized and thouroughly Biblical. I enjoyed the opening chapters most, as I learned more about John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." As the book went on, it continued to expound on essential elements of the grace God gives us, shedding light on many truths found in the Word. I would give this book four out of five stars only because while it is well written and focuses on God and His Word, it is not one that I can't put down. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it as a great addition to any library.
 

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