--> Though our lifestyles and methods in which we raise our children may differ, there is one thing we can certainly agree on: we all want the best for our kids. We all want to raise successful children, and how we define that very word, [success], may vary as well. So how can we be certain that our children are headed down the right path, the path that will lead to a bright future?
--> Well, since I am not a perfect parent, I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers. There are days that I feel frustrated with my kids and frustrated with myself in how I had handled things. But ultimately, I carry-on confidently, because I trust and rely on these few truths:
1) These are not just MY (or OUR) kids. They belong to the Lord. They are His children. He loves them more than I do. I CANNOT raise these kids alone or alone with my spouse. I/we need the wisdom, guidance, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Several times daily, I need to ask God, "How do you want me to handle this situation?"
2) God has entrusted these children to me specifically, whether I gave birth to them, adopted them, or they are in my care for a shorter-term. He knew it all along and has placed them in my life for a period of time determined only by him. Not only has he placed them in my life, but he has equipped me to influence them, teach them, raise them, lead them, and love them in a way that is unique to who he created me to be! So I am not going to compare myself to the other moms, who seemingly have it more together/better/easier than me. I'm not going to compare my children to other kids. I'm not going to adopt a parenting-style that fits in a box defined by the latest parenting books, trends, or ideas. And lastly, I am not going to measure my kids' success by the world's standards, but by knowing and showing them that they have a greater purpose in this life. I love what Craig Groeschel says: "We are called by God to unleash single-minded, Christ-centered, biblically-anchored, world changers." This means that as I raise my kids (and live my own life) I know that we have a greater purpose than just getting a good education in school, getting a good-paying job, buying the perfect house, creating a name/reputation for ourselves, taking the best vacations, and so on. Not that those things don't have great value, but I believe that compared to knowing Christ and living a life FULLY in and for him, the rest is meaningless. That's right, meaningless. I believe it is so important that Christian parents know and exemplify this. Without Christ at the center of all we do and all we are, we fall short of the greatness and purpose that he has for each of us.
3) I am going to pray for these kids until I see my prayers answered. Also, I am going to pray for myself and my spouse. And when I pray, I am not going to pray for MY will to be done, but for GOD'S will to be done, in my life and in my kids' lives. I am going to pray for things that can't be answered or fulfilled by mom or dad, but prayers that really take an act of God to accomplish. I'm going to pray that He places in them a desire to know Jesus and to know the Word of God. I'm going to pray that they desire righteousness and honesty. I'm going to pray that they have kind, repentant, teachable hearts. I'm going to pray that they impact their friends and those around them in a way that pleases our heavenly Father. Those are just a few examples of things that I pray. And I don't pray them just once. I pray them OFTEN. I pray for them aloud for my kids to hear, and I pray for them privately and with more details.
4) I have to set the example. The thing I've been most moved by and challenged with, is BEING a parent who leads with integrity. I can't just talk about it--I have to do it. If I want my kids to develop good character, I have to be demonstrating that consistently--not just telling them how they should be and what they should/shouldn't do. Kids learn far more from whatever example we are putting on display, and it's important that a strong foundation is built in the early years, if possible, because the older our kids get, the greater the amount of people influencing them will be. They need to learn and see in us good ethics, righteousness, honesty, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, acceptance, repentance, etc., because more often than not, good character & character-development isn't being taught or displayed in the entities around us as well as it ought. And these character attributes don't happen overnight, by the way. I am still a work-in-progress! Guess what, our behavior is a choice, but our motivation comes from our heart. Our intentions for behavior-modification will only come from a renewed Spirit. I have to surrender my own way to His way, every hour of every day. I don't have to, but it works out a LOT better when I do, so that's what I aim for. That's what we all should aim for.
--> Being a parent should be a huge wake-up call, because now, not only am I responsible for my own actions and life, but I have children in my life who I am responsible for and actually will be judged for. It can feel a little overwhelming. (Is that an oxymoron? Let's face it, there's nothing little about being overwhelmed!) It can look like a long road to the presumed light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel. It can seem impossible to survive whatever parenting phase you or I are in. We can be stubborn and selfish and not even desire the things we should as Christian parents. But thankfully, God is an unrelenting, loving, forgiving God, ready to extend grace for the moment you or I are in. He is pursuing us, and bringing us back to him. And all it takes is a moment in which we pause, connect with Him, and surrender. Ask for his help, and then follow the lead. Successful parenting can be reduced to perpetual prayer, giving up, and allowing God to do His thing!
What do you find the hardest about parenting? What have been some of your parenting wins? We all want to successfully raise successful kids. So let's learn from the hard times and celebrate the good times! Here's to you, mama/papa!
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Apple Cider Vinegar
I am not one to jump on the latest fad or trend. It took me so long to even try essential oils! But when I find something that works well, and when I'm passionate about it, I like to share it, because well, I want it to enrich your life like it has mine!
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
HE Will See You Through
(Written in January; accidentally not published until April)
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
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