“My sister was carrying my daughter, Kim, down the hall of a hospital. Little Kim was looking back and saying, “See the boid!” (bird – she couldn’t yet say her Rs). Gail turned to see what bird could possibly be in the hospital, and there stood three nuns. Kim thought they were penguins.”*
My friend, Sandra Chapman, shared this story in the “Laugh Out Loud” section of The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.
IT’S GOOD TO LAUGH, DON’T YOU THINK?
I remember the day when my children, Taylor and Lauren, were little and the milk spilled for the upteenth time. I finally decided to laugh. Not cry. Not scream. Not get mad. Instead, realize that accidents were going to happen when you’re raising little ones.
But sometimes a mom can feel like a BASKET CASE!
What drives you almost INSANE?
Are there some things we CAN DO to have a MORE SANE home and family life? Yes! As a matter of fact, I listed 75 pointers in The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.
Which might help you?
75 7 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY** You don’t have time to read all 75 right now. 🙂
1. Be in the moment with the one you’re with.
If you’ve set aside 15 minutes to play with the kids, then make it play time. Put your phone in your purse and don’t text, call, or answer it.
2. Laugh together.
Telling old stories keeps them alive in your mind and your child’s mind. “Do you remember when you were three and you asked me how God got dinosaurs to heaven?”
3. Pray immediately, not later.
If Carson is worried he won’t make the soccer team, instead of saying, “We’ll pray you do,” pray that moment. “Carson, I know you want to make the team, and you’re so good! Let’s pray that if it is God’s will, that you will. Heavenly Father, thank You for making Carson with feet and legs that can run and with a good strong body that can play soccer. We pray that if it is Your will for Him to make the team that He will. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Now, Carson, go out and do your best. We’ll trust God with what happens. I love you.”
4. Listen to Christian music.
Studies prove that music has a powerful effect on us. When you or your kids are down or they’re trying your nerves, play Christian music. It’s good for your soul and your kids.
5. Say, “Good morning!” and greet each family member with a smile in the mornings.
It sets the tone and mood for the day. Trust me on this.
6. Read at least one verse from your Bible every morning.
“I gotta have it!” we say about our coffee. “Caffeine gets me through the day,” we explain. Sure, it may physically get you through the day. But what about emotionally? A great addiction is a verse a day. It WILL impact you and affect whether or not you are sane and raise sane kids.
7. Last but not least. Say, “I love you,” in the morning when you hug little ones and often throughout the day.
Say, “I love you” to that tween and teen and let them hear you say it to others. God is LOVE. If we want our children to grow in God and be loving adults, we must pray for God to fill us with His love. We must speak loving words. We must articulate our love.
I guess I really gave you 8 POINTERS. The last is really the first. Before you get out of bed, if you want to be sane and more than sane and raise sane kids, PRAY for God to FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT. You can’t do the mommy thing well nor God’s way without CHRIST INFUSING YOUR MIND, EMOTIONS, & SPIRIT.
HAPPY SANE MOTHER’S DAY!
“The fruit of the SPIRIT is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, FAITHFULNESS, SELF-CONTROL,” Galatians 5:22-23.
Love, Debbie
The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World
**75 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY, pages 215-217.
DEBBIE TAYLOR WILLIAMS, Spreading the Word and Love of God.
The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World, Available on KINDLE.
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