Hit It

Theme for July: Uniqueness
Verse:

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11a

Mom's Musing:
"Hit it," Emma, the youngest and last of the third generation to learn to water ski gave her mom the signal to go. The boat surged forward, an older cousin steadying Emma released her to the boat's tug and Emma popped out of the water. She bobbed up and down, gained her balance and dutifully stayed behind the boat in the water that looked like root beer. All three generations represented at my Mom's cabin learned to ski from another family member. Each one that learned passed the gained knowledge and experience on to another.
Parenting Tip: Help your child discover his gifts and skills so he can pass along his special talent to another.

A Snake in the Path

Theme: July Uniqueness
Verse:

Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13c

Mom's Musing:
Last week my youngest daughter and I accompanied two other moms and their daughters on a once in a life time hike. We journeyed through the Grand Canyon from the north rim to the south rim. "I wish I could see what's ahead." One of my five hiking partners verbalized. Like life we may have an idea of where we want to end up but have no clue what challenges or dangers are going to cross our path. Each individual had her own weakness or challenge. Blown out shoes, weak back, heat exhaustion and nausea. The path itself presented it own set of surprises. Rattle snakes, aggressive squirrels (seriously!) steep inclines and declines. Thankfully we had each other. Combining each person's duct tape supply the broken shoes were temporarily fixed, a cool rag applied to a weary hiker's head provided relief from the heat, the sharp eyes of  our pace setter prevented the rest of the group from being struck by an unhappy rattlesnake, encouragement from fellow hikers was given when an individual's discouragement was beginning to set in. The group's words and actions tackled the environmental, emotional, technical and physical struggles. Like the body of Christ. We all need each other along the way when we encounter our own unique frustrations. God promises to provide what we need for the journey of life.

Parenting Tip:
Encourage your children to have a proper view of themselves. Provide opportunities for children to use their gifts and talents for other's good and God's glory. Assist your children where they need help.

Bring It

Theme: July Uniqueness
Verse:

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30

Mom's Musing:
    At a marriage and family conference (Association for Marriage and Families Ministry -AMFM) I recently learned most people marry someone who complements them (not compliments!). We often marry our opposite. Introverts typically marry extroverts. This has the potential to cause friction but it has a greater ability to bring balance. Once an appreciation for the other's personality has been developed, each one can more readily accept and learn from the other. When Tom and I realized he's extroverted and I'm introverted many potential conflicts were prevented. We've found it helpful to identify the extrovert/introvert characteristic in our kids too. Two of our kids need more space and alone time than the other two. When driving one child home after school, she'd describe her day-start to finish. As opposed to her sister who would enter the car and be quiet, decompressing from the day.
Parenting Tip: Begin to notice how your family members are wired. Is time alone needed to re-energize or does being with people bring vigor? Adjust expectations accordingly.

Happy Independence Day!

Theme: July Uniqueness
Verse:

 "Live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone." 1 Peter 2:16b-17a

Mom's Musing:
We celebrate Independence Day. Freedom! Americans believe freedom to be an inalienable right. Our children believe this too! Pushing and pulling for more freedom as they grow. I remember watching my daughter cross the street to a friend's house for the first time without  holding my hand. I recall giving her permission to ride her bike to the park without me by her side. The vision of her driving off to school alone is imprinted in my brain. We are to raise up our children to be independent from us to dependent on God.
Parenting Tip: Watch your child to observe when a shift from parental dependence to independence is needed.