The Big Picture

Topic for September: Plans
Verse:

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

Mom's Musing:
"Run it by me prior to solidifying your plans." Teens make lots of plans. Those plans change minute by minute. Sometimes those ideas need to be altered due to family contingencies. Home is the hub and Mom is the keeper of the master calendar.
I finally realized that's how it is with God too. I make lots of plans. They seem good. Hopefully my motivation and heart is right. I pray...but I guess I'm filling God in as opposed to checking with him. Praying about plans doesn't mean getting God's final seal of approval on something already decided. It means actually seeking direction and confirmation. Just like I want my own children to do.
Parenting Tip: Train your children how to pray about their plans and God's will for them. Only God has the big picture.

A Change of Plans

Theme for September: Plans
Verse:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

 "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29: 11

Mom's Musing: Strange. I planned. I wrote. I published..... I thought I published...but last week my blog wasn't circulated. My plans didn't come to fruition. Sometimes that happens with plans. A friend and I have been attempting to get together and plans continue to fall through. Life and work keep getting in the way. Our hearts are right, the circumstances aren't.
A husband and wife I know are trying to adopt. They would be great parents. Everything was going smoothly, then the adoption fell through. They are heart-broken. I can relate. We adopted our first child. Lots of waiting, many delays. Each delay was so painful. I didn't understand. I was angry with the system and angry with God. My heart hurts for my friends. I don't understand why these things happen. The only place I can go is to trust. Trust God.
Parenting Tip: In the hopeless moments, find hope in remembering who God is.

Seasons of Life

Theme for September: Plans

Verse:

"There is hope for your future." Jeremiah 31:17

Mom's Musing:
Yesterday I went for a hike with a good friend. The first part of the trek was a pretty steep incline. We both needed to stop to take in some oxygen and sip some water.When we got to summit of the foothill we rested. We took time to enjoy the view and feel the combination of sun and the light breeze on our skin. I noticed a little crispness in the air. There was no mistaking the smell of moisture. Fall is coming. School has begun. I felt a little sad.
Change is hard for me. Time doesn't stand still. Two of my kids are off at college, another is in school and working, and the youngest has just begun her senior year of high school. I attended my last "Back to School Night". How did it happen so fast?
Rather than lament, I want to be present in the present, looking forward with hopeful anticipation. This Labor Day weekend there will be six of us celebrating together. But not our typical gang. Our youngest has invited three friends to join us this weekend. When I look at the kitchen table, each chair will still be filled but with a different collection of kids. I want to enjoy the moment rather than miss what was. Trusting the future will hold good things too, just different ones. 

Parenting Tip: Enjoy the moments while going through the days.