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Emotions

I have been feeling like God wants me to share from my heart.  I can talk about things, recipes, procedures, children, etc. But share my innermost thoughts? That’s a different thing altogether. One thing that I think holds me back is my fear of judgment from others. Or fear that I will hurt someone’s feelings if I share my heart. I’m really not sure what I would share at this point in my life but I will say that I am exploring the thought and trying to be open to whatever that brings.

I wrote the above paragraph over a month ago. Things were going along pretty smoothly. I was recovering from surgery which gave me a lot of time to read, do projects and visit with loved ones.

I am now back to work and in the middle of struggles on all sides. I have been a weepy mess lately. We have suffered several losses. Dear friends of many years passing away too soon, young people we knew during their teen years leaving this earth unexpectedly. And other losses. Life is oh so short and precious. Make the most of it! That is so much easier said than done.

How can I  make the most of my life? Following God first, loving his people, and loving those the Lord puts in your path.

Following God carries me to the peaks and to the depths and stretches me beyond what I thought possible. When I am at the peak it is hard to keep my feet upon the earth. When I am in the depths I know he will rescue me and bring me out! How do I know? History. My history with God.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 46:4 ESV 

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

John 16:33 ESV 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

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Growing Creative Children

Are you surrounded by geniuses? If you look for the genius in your child you will find it. Children are creative, gifted, and geniuses! Cultivate what is naturally growing in your child.

Dwell on their strengths. Encourage and build up their weaknesses but don’t spend all of your time or focus on the weakness instead of their strengths. Give them some time to devote to the things they love, the things they naturally and joyfully pursue. If they have not discovered a direction give them time to pursue a variety of things. Introduce them to various experiences especially with God’s creation. Whether it is learning higher math, building catapults, rebuilding mini bike engines, building rafts, hunting, making gaga arenas, jumping ramps (or cars) on roller blades or bikes, drawing, painting, starting their own businesses, taking care of chickens, starting a band, playing football and learning all the stats, perfecting the budget, baking, or designing clothes your child has a gift! The list goes on and on.

As a mother have you ever felt like you just needed to create something? Something tangible? Or the need to feel like you have truly accomplished something visible? Even though there are so many things that you need to do and are pressing in on you, you still have this need to be creative. You get overwhelmed because there are so many things which you need to do but inwardly you have one thing you really want to pursue. If you let yourself create you have probably found a feeling of great peace and strength and joy. You may find more energy to take care of the other needed things in your life too.

Homeschool families are especially blessed to get to see the gifts in their children and watch as they blossom and grow. Parents have hours to see their children grow and struggle with their strengths and weaknesses. Not only do they get to spend an amazing amount of time living and growing with their children but the children have hours to discover their gifts and put them to use. That’s if we let them. Whether you are a homeschooling family or not I would suggest that you avoid the temptation to fill up all of your children’s free time for them. Give them time and space and watch what happens. Maybe you don’t have much time during the school year but you can plan chunks of time during school breaks and especially the summer for creativity. Remember lazy days of summer?

My best planning efforts have never produced the natural excitement of a child with a new idea. One of the best gifts our children can receive is time to devote to the things they delight themselves in exploring. Most people think of boredom in a negative way. I believe it can be a positive thing for your child. Let your children be bored. Don’t rescue them. Let them come up with some ideas. Some amazing things come from boredom and from having to come up with your own source of entertainment.

Today take some time to breathe, to create, and to let your children grow! Your geniuses will amaze you with their creativity!