Many of you who read my posts here on RefreshHer have also followed my daughter, Whitney at Come Home for Comfort . Her content on her blog and in her personal life are always a joy. I’ve missed reading her posts, and I know you have, too, but we all have to know when to step back even from something we love so we can give greater attention to that which is a greater priority. I admire Whitney for that! I’m also super blessed to be a part of her life and have the opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, when he’s not working!
I had that blessing this week as my other daughter, Alli and I hosted a 40th birthday celebration this week in Pigeon Forge with just the three of us! Her birthday isn’t until September, but this was the best time for us to get away. We spent three nights and nearly four days together, chatting, laughing, eating, cooking, shopping, reminiscing and also making new memories! It was the BEST time!
I know I say this often, but “one of my favorite episodes of Andy Griffith is” when Aunt Bea is out of town and Andy and Opie are bachelors. The chicken burns to a crisp, filling the kitchen with smoke. Just when everything is at its worst, Peggy (single, attractive Peg) drops in. Andy’s afraid she’s trying to wedge her way into their lives to become his wife, so he is reluctant to accept her offer to cook them something decent for supper.
Andy – “Oh, we wouldn’t want to impose.”
Peggy – “You’re not imposing! It would be fun for me.”
Opie – “Let Miss Peggy have some fun, Pa.”
The episode ends with a lovely meal fixed by Peggy in an atmosphere that creates a desire for talking and music – unlike the bachelors had had before she stepped into her apron in their home.
This episode reminds me how much our presence does for our home. We create an atmosphere there. That atmosphere is what most homes need, and it happens just because you and I are present. A man can light a candle or cook a meal, but it’s usually the woman who sets the tone and setting at mealtimes. If she’s not there it’s just food. If mom’s there, it’s an event.
Just like the leaves scattered on my walking path, September has left some special memories of events and happenings during the month. Here are the photos from some of the blessings of those thirty days.
I had the blessing of speaking at two different ladies’ events last month. After pouring over God’s Word and seeking God’s direction in my study, it’s such a joy to my heart to get to teach women Truth from the Scriptures. Both events were so well planned out, and I believe all the ladies were just so thankful to have an opportunity to gather together. Things were different, of course, but it was still such a blessing to share this time with these precious ladies!
My husband traveled with me to the first event, and then my dear friend traveled with me to the second one. She’s a jewel, carrying my belongings, tending to any need, and also mingling with the women and serving them so well.
Then we were blessed to get to gather in Asheville as a family to celebrate Whitney’s birthday. Spite the fact that we ate outside in an alley with the cool winds whipping around our feet, we had a great time! We made the best of it by wrapping up with blankets retrieved from the car and later warming ourselves over dessert served outside of Starbucks with coffee and sunshine!
That same week we were saddened by the hospitalization of my dear dad, but thankful to the Lord that he came home after a two-night stay. These photos were the evening of the day he was discharged. How blessed we are for every day together, every dish of ice cream shared, every conversation spoken. God answered our prayers and we are rejoicing!
The next weekend took us to Pennsylvania where my husband had the joy of preaching at the installation of a dear friend as he assumed role as pastor at a church there. This church had been without a pastor for three years, so they were so excited. Our friend and his wife had been praying about returning back to ministry after a few years of rest. What a blessing to see how God prepared the way for all this to happen. My husband got to give the charge to the new pastor. We shared sweet fellowship with them in their home.
The fall colors were beautiful and we took some scenic routes and enjoyed the journey!
September had lots of miles, lots of memories, and so many blessings! Our hearts are full and thankful!
What was your best adventure in September?
I hope you’ll refresh yourself in a Bible preaching church this Sunday!
This week I want to continue on with the parenting series in the form of some encouragement. I know it can be difficult and wearisome when they’re small. Teen years can seem to last forever with attitudes or questions about your choices. Even the adult years of children can be challenging and stressful. For that reason, we all need to have a biblical view of parenting – from the beginning to the end. Let’s dig in and get some good advice from God’s Word to keep us faithful to this blessed call of building our children for the glory of God!
Obviously parenting is a daily responsibility, and sometimes it can getoverwhelming. Other days it’s discouraging because the children don’t seem like they’re “getting it.” We then fall into a disheartened mode which also influences the rest of our family.
May I encourage you on your parenting road today?
I heard a preacher recently say that in parenting you need to:
Be Firm
Be Fair
Be Fun
All three are needed.
Be firm – Say what you mean and then follow through. Don’t promise a spanking for disobedience and then not carry it out when you get home. That kind of neglect takes a huge amount of effort to undo. If you’ve set a curfew for your teen, expect them to honor it.
Be fair – Too often we hit the first one strong and hard. We’re firm. “No!” “No!” “No!” at every request, every attempt the child makes, at every word they say. But stop and ask if you’re also being fair.
What does “being fair” entail? Being fair requires really listening. Proverbs 18:13 says,
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is a folly and shame unto him.
Did you hear your child out completely before you answered them? Do you understand where they’re coming from? Or did you cut them off? If the teen was late for curfew, let them speak before you discipline. Hear them out. There may be a viable reason for their tardiness. If we’re wise, we will obey the Scripture above and hear them out. Let them know you care about what they have to say and that they are worth listening to.
Be fun – Lastly, we need to take time out for fun. If things are stressful in homeschool, drop the books and do something just for fun! If there’s been tons of stress in relationships, add a dose of something everyone will enjoy.
Go on a picnic for lunch.
Build a fort in the backyard.
Eat ice cream sundaes for supper.
Go shopping for sunglasses with your teen daughter and have lunch at her favorite place.
Learn to laugh – long and hard with your children
Isn’t it easy to scowl? Let your kids see you smiling- and at them!
Firm, fair, fun. If those words don’t describe your parenting, ask the Lord to help you incorporate the needed areas into your home today!
RefreshHer 