I am not sure about you, but there are certain household chores that I procrastinate about until conditions are REALLY bad. For me, laundry seems to be the worst. I often joke that Mt. St. Helens is about to erupt on my couch. The couch being the storage house for all the clean clothes. (It is a good thing we don't watch much T.V. around here...that could be a blog topic in itself..., or maybe not such a good thing. If we did watch more T.V. perhaps I'd be forced to fold the clothes, or sit on them...surely not the best thing to model to my kids) The pile sometimes often gets SUPER high, and then I can't take it anymore and I fold. (Or, have my girls fold...yet another potential blog topic...kids and chores) I often wish for a laundry fairy, and alas, none appears.
Over the past several years, though, I have found a few ways to simplify in certain areas. I have been lucky enough to stumble upon some organized organization. By this I mean THE CO-OP. There are 3 co-ops that have served to make my life easier in different ways. I'll briefly describe each.
1. The Veggie Co-Op ~ Saving time and money on my shopping is why I love this co-op! Every 2 weeks, a woman in the group orders veggies from Paradise Produce, located in Dallas' Farmer's Market. She then goes to pick everything up and creates 12 boxes of a variety of fruits and veggies for the members to come pick up from her home. Once a year, it is my turn to order the items and make sure they are distributed, as I share a spot. Members who don't share a spot take thier turn twice a year. $13 every other week for a box of fresh fruits and veggies. ($6.50 if you share a spot like do.) It is easy and I love it. It meets a simple need, in a very simple way....a true blessing!
2. The Cooking Co-Op ~ A marvelous idea introduced to me by my friend Karen about 3 years ago. The gist of the cooking co-op is to lighten the cooking resposibility for me as a mom, while doing the same for several other families. There are 4 families involved. The way ours has been structured is that each week 2 women cook, for simplicity sake, let's say each Monday. We make entrees only, enough to feed each of the 4 families. So one week I am cooking and receiving and entree, and the next week is my off week so I do not cook and I get 2 entrees. Typically, we trade the entrees in the parking lot where we pick up our kids after school. This has provided so many great lessons for our family. First and foremost, it is a reminder for us to thank God for our food and the hands that have prepared it. Most often (as I am blessed with non-picky eaters) my kids enjoy the meals, but every once in a while someone, myself included, may make something that isn't their favorite. This is where the lesson part comes in and I do not cave in to making an alternate dish for them that supper. Second, it has forced me, in a positive way, to expand my recipe collection and try new things. Third, it has helped to further develop friendships with my fellow Cooking Co-Op members that I otherwise would not have had.
3. The Baby-Sitting Co-Op ~ Now this idea was the brainchild of women in my neighborhood over 25 years ago. I can't tell you what geniuses these ladies were. For about 8 years I was involved in this group and loved, loved, loved it! Here is how it works. (There are by-laws and everything, but I will spare you all the details.) There are 25 women in the co-op. When a woman joins she is given 20 coupons which represent 20 hours worth of baby-sitting time. Women trade coupons, versus money, to watch each others' children. There is also a required monthly meeting to go over logistics and get to know each other better. The money I saved over the years, plus the knowledge that it was another mom watching my kiddos made it great. The friendships, comaraderie, shared interests and genuineness of the group was absolutely AMAZING! The blessings that have come from knowing these women and their children and spouses have been truly awesome.
With a bit of creativity and some organization thrown into the mix there are all sorts of ways we can, as moms, come together to make our lives a little easier.
I'd love to hear your ideas on making a mom's life a little easier! Also, if you'd like more information on how to begin a new co-op, I am happy to share!
Now if I could just find a laundry co-op...
Blessings,
Beth
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Moms Inspiring Moms
If I tried to list all of the women out there that serve as an inspiration to me, this would quite possibly be the longest blog ever. I'll just describe several:
There is the fellow mom who has been there and done that, and smiles the whole way through who serves as my "mothering can be done gracefully" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who owns her own business and finds the time to lie in the grass with her kids on mild Spring days that serves as my "Don't forget to to fulfill my own dreams/needs while enjoying my children immensely" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom whose house is THE HOUSE. (You know, the one with the revolving door for kids and animals alike...the house at which ALL the neighborhood kids love to be ALL the time.) She serves as my, "Be flexible while raising your children and create a welcoming environment" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who approaches everything as a learning opportunity and throws herself into researching her children's passions and helping reach their goals who serves as my, "Help your children realize their dreams and provide them with learning opportunities every chance you get" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom that easily relaxes with her kids and is seen laughing with them more often that not that serves as my, "Don't take life so seriously" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom that is a living example of walking with Christ for her children....the mom who takes the time to have the morning Bible studies, brings Biblical examples into every day occurrances and reinforces His love in all that she does, that serves as my, "Teach your kids about Jesus, not just through words, but also through your own actions" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who has suffered loss like none I could ever imagine, yet continues to take steps every day to insure the life of her family is full of love, laughter and peace through Him that serves as my "Even through tremendous suffering one can have joy" mentor mom.
The list could truly go on and on. There are so many incredibly inspiring moms out there who I am blessed to know...so many wonderful women who have helped, and continue to help me in my journey as a mom.
I ran across a website while doing some research on mothers in the bible. ( http://freepages.religions.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gentutor/BibleMothers.html ) I take from it this information about Mary and Elisabeth.
I suppose the world's most revered mother is Mary, mother of Jesus. Her cousin Elisabeth was also a godly person, who in her old age gave birth to John the Baptist. Mary visited Elizabeth for about three months while both were approaching motherhood. With this common experience their age difference became insignificant as they joyfully planned for the birth of their sons, who were to be so near the same age. They found much joy in each other because they loved and understood each other and had the same strong belief in God.
Motherhood is, I believe, one of the greatest equalizers. Both Mary and Elisabeth were fulfilling God's intent, while living with their own struggles and triumphs. Just as they were meant to walk together, so are we. From each other they gained inspiration, as we can and do receive inspiration from one another.
Who are your mentor moms? What are you learning from them?
For whom do you serve as a mentor mom and what are you teaching to others?
God gave us each other to lean on, laugh with, share with, lift up and walk side-by-side in our roles as moms. I encourage you to let your mentor moms know that they have been an inspiration to you. Tell them how they have served as a source of encouragement...and in turn, be that source of light for another mom out there.
Blessings!
There is the fellow mom who has been there and done that, and smiles the whole way through who serves as my "mothering can be done gracefully" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who owns her own business and finds the time to lie in the grass with her kids on mild Spring days that serves as my "Don't forget to to fulfill my own dreams/needs while enjoying my children immensely" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom whose house is THE HOUSE. (You know, the one with the revolving door for kids and animals alike...the house at which ALL the neighborhood kids love to be ALL the time.) She serves as my, "Be flexible while raising your children and create a welcoming environment" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who approaches everything as a learning opportunity and throws herself into researching her children's passions and helping reach their goals who serves as my, "Help your children realize their dreams and provide them with learning opportunities every chance you get" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom that easily relaxes with her kids and is seen laughing with them more often that not that serves as my, "Don't take life so seriously" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom that is a living example of walking with Christ for her children....the mom who takes the time to have the morning Bible studies, brings Biblical examples into every day occurrances and reinforces His love in all that she does, that serves as my, "Teach your kids about Jesus, not just through words, but also through your own actions" mentor mom.
There is the fellow mom who has suffered loss like none I could ever imagine, yet continues to take steps every day to insure the life of her family is full of love, laughter and peace through Him that serves as my "Even through tremendous suffering one can have joy" mentor mom.
The list could truly go on and on. There are so many incredibly inspiring moms out there who I am blessed to know...so many wonderful women who have helped, and continue to help me in my journey as a mom.
I ran across a website while doing some research on mothers in the bible. ( http://freepages.religions.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gentutor/BibleMothers.html ) I take from it this information about Mary and Elisabeth.
I suppose the world's most revered mother is Mary, mother of Jesus. Her cousin Elisabeth was also a godly person, who in her old age gave birth to John the Baptist. Mary visited Elizabeth for about three months while both were approaching motherhood. With this common experience their age difference became insignificant as they joyfully planned for the birth of their sons, who were to be so near the same age. They found much joy in each other because they loved and understood each other and had the same strong belief in God.
Motherhood is, I believe, one of the greatest equalizers. Both Mary and Elisabeth were fulfilling God's intent, while living with their own struggles and triumphs. Just as they were meant to walk together, so are we. From each other they gained inspiration, as we can and do receive inspiration from one another.
Who are your mentor moms? What are you learning from them?
For whom do you serve as a mentor mom and what are you teaching to others?
God gave us each other to lean on, laugh with, share with, lift up and walk side-by-side in our roles as moms. I encourage you to let your mentor moms know that they have been an inspiration to you. Tell them how they have served as a source of encouragement...and in turn, be that source of light for another mom out there.
Blessings!
Monday, January 10, 2011
From the Mouths of Babes...
The fact that I was raised a minister's daughter might lead one to believe that I am confident with PDP's (public displays of prayer). Perhaps I should restate that. One might think that I am comfortable with PDMOPP (public display of my own personal prayers). Nothing could be further from the truth. Maybe it is because I never really had the practice. Growing up with both my dad and my grandfather being pastors, there was always someone else to lead us in prayer. It was such a feeling of relief to me!
In the last year, I have had to become a bit more practiced (I won't say comfortable) with praying publicly. If my co-facilitator isn't with me while leading a mom's group, then the poor moms present are stuck with me. Thankfully for those moms who attend the classes, we can usually call upon my dear friend and mentor, Allyson George, for her beautiful and always spot-on prayers. You all may know someone who has THE GIFT. The unmistaken, seemingly direct line to Him, by way of the words that flow forth so naturally and freely while praying. That is Allyson! She has THE GIFT! Sometimes, however, she is attending to other church matters and the women of the group hear me muddle through an opening prayer.
I'll give you an example. Recently, my very 1st moms's discussion group got together for a special Christmas dinner. It came time to eat and we all gathered around to bless the meal. My husband, rather chivalrously, volunteered me to lead us in prayer. I had no back-up that night, so it was all me. Allyson was at her daughter's volleyball game. She couldn't be reached by cell phone...I tried! I have no recollection of what I said and just hope it was audible and half-way appropriate. I do realize that it really isn't about me, this praying out loud. It is all to His glory and I need to get over myself and stop worrying about saying the right thing.
This fear of mine, or perhaps just plain discomfort I have about praying out loud, is not something I want my children to inherit from me, so we are consciously making an effort to help them feel comfortable praying out loud. I am a firm believer that if we want our children to pray, both privately and publicly (by publicly I simply mean, outloud...individually, with family, with friends), then we need to model praying with them and for them.
At our house we have developed a tradition of sorts involving prayer. Every night, we all gather in one room and say our prayers together. If we are in the den (the one room in our house with a T.V., we shut it off). If my husband is on a trip, we call him at bedtime and he tries his best to be available for our nightly prayers. We each take turn saying prayers individually and we all say our family prayer (something I made up one night with our 1st born that has stuck around for about 10 years), and finally we recite The Lord's Prayer. This may sound like a long routine, but it takes no more that five minutes. What I enjoy most about this time is hearing what the girls have to say in their prayers. They always tell what they are thankful for and they usually choose someone who is sick or hurting in some way and ask God to help that person. While praying out loud they are establishing so many good habits. Here are just a few:
Do you have a prayer tradition in your household? Feel free to post here and share your thoughts with others reading this blog.
Blessings!
In the last year, I have had to become a bit more practiced (I won't say comfortable) with praying publicly. If my co-facilitator isn't with me while leading a mom's group, then the poor moms present are stuck with me. Thankfully for those moms who attend the classes, we can usually call upon my dear friend and mentor, Allyson George, for her beautiful and always spot-on prayers. You all may know someone who has THE GIFT. The unmistaken, seemingly direct line to Him, by way of the words that flow forth so naturally and freely while praying. That is Allyson! She has THE GIFT! Sometimes, however, she is attending to other church matters and the women of the group hear me muddle through an opening prayer.
I'll give you an example. Recently, my very 1st moms's discussion group got together for a special Christmas dinner. It came time to eat and we all gathered around to bless the meal. My husband, rather chivalrously, volunteered me to lead us in prayer. I had no back-up that night, so it was all me. Allyson was at her daughter's volleyball game. She couldn't be reached by cell phone...I tried! I have no recollection of what I said and just hope it was audible and half-way appropriate. I do realize that it really isn't about me, this praying out loud. It is all to His glory and I need to get over myself and stop worrying about saying the right thing.
This fear of mine, or perhaps just plain discomfort I have about praying out loud, is not something I want my children to inherit from me, so we are consciously making an effort to help them feel comfortable praying out loud. I am a firm believer that if we want our children to pray, both privately and publicly (by publicly I simply mean, outloud...individually, with family, with friends), then we need to model praying with them and for them.
At our house we have developed a tradition of sorts involving prayer. Every night, we all gather in one room and say our prayers together. If we are in the den (the one room in our house with a T.V., we shut it off). If my husband is on a trip, we call him at bedtime and he tries his best to be available for our nightly prayers. We each take turn saying prayers individually and we all say our family prayer (something I made up one night with our 1st born that has stuck around for about 10 years), and finally we recite The Lord's Prayer. This may sound like a long routine, but it takes no more that five minutes. What I enjoy most about this time is hearing what the girls have to say in their prayers. They always tell what they are thankful for and they usually choose someone who is sick or hurting in some way and ask God to help that person. While praying out loud they are establishing so many good habits. Here are just a few:
- An open relationshiop with God
- Honesty with self and family members
- Habitual praying (done every night)
- Practice in speaking out loud
Do you have a prayer tradition in your household? Feel free to post here and share your thoughts with others reading this blog.
Blessings!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Beginnings in a New Year
Happy New Year! 2011 is here! As each year somehow seems to roll into the next I have attempted to take a moment, this year, to walk slowly into 2011 with intention, rather than rushing blindly into the new year as I usually would. I was thinking about new beginnings and what those might look like for this year. Then, when I went into church service on Sunday morning, I found that the pastor had her sermon on just the same topic. Pastor Deborah Hobbs-Mason's poignant words not only reiterated some of my own thoughts, but also served as inspiration to me.
I'll briefly share with you some of the points she made here:
1) Do not be afraid for nothing will be impossible with God.
2) Fear can be a matter of faith, a spiritual matter that prevents us from following God's call or it can be a motivator for change.
3) God has a way of using all of our experiences, both good and bad, to prepare us for what he has in store for us.
4) In 2011 rather than making a New Year's resolution, perhaps we can commit to staying open to God's leading and no be afraid.
How does this translate to me as a mom?
1) God is always with me and I can do anything through Him. On the tough days, when all 3 girls are needy and my energy is spent, He is with me. On the trying days, when middle school drama ensues and I don't have the words to soothe, He is with me. On the exhausting days, when it seems there is not enough time to get it all done and muster some semblance of patience, He is with me. And on and on...
Another way to look at this is to think in terms of me as me...not just in the role of mom. Is there something that God is calling me to do outside of my role as a mom? Is there a tap on my shoulder to pursue a personal dream, perhaps unrelated to the family...yet, one that will not interfere, but possibly enhance me and thus all of us? If so, I should not be afraid.
What is God calling you to do?
2) If fear can be a matter of faith, what can I do to let go of my fear and trust in God? In my bible which is The Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, there is a footnote on Matthew 6:25. That verse reads, "So I tell you, do not worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing." This particular quote doesn't necessarily directly relate to the same kind of fear, or worry that we might have, but the footnote does. It states, "Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern-worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action."
When the pastor stated that Fear can be a matter of Faith, a spiritual matter that prevents us from following God's call; or, it can be a motivator for change, I think that she was likening fear, without conviction of faith, as worry. In my mind, fear with conviction of faith is concern. Perhaps nervous concern versus fear. Do you see the difference? For years leading up to launching this blog I was worried. I was fearful. Throughout the course of this last year, circumstances occurred that told me to just do it. Somehow my fear was calmed and become more excited nervousness, along with a trust that I should just go for it. God will provide and is with me.
What issues of fear and faith are you grappeling with and how can you move from inaction to action?
3) In her 3rd point the pastor said that all of our experiences prepare us for God's call. Looking at my own life I can see where certain events, opportunities and relationships placed before me demonstrate this. If it were not for these, I would not be writing this blog or facilitating book discussions on being the moms God intends us to be.
What is is that has prepared you for your unique call?
4) The fourth point that was made requires an openness and commitment. It requires us to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It also requires commitment. As my MomMom (grandmother on my mom's side) used to say, "If at 1st you don't succeed, try, try again!" It requires a leap, a willingness to try and be open to not only the possiblity of failure, but also the wonderful possibility of success.
Will you commit to staying open to God's leading and not be afraid?
I'll leave you with an idea that was shared with me by my dear friend. Her family was contemplating New Year's resolutions and decided that they wanted to do something different this year. Instead of them each coming up with a resolution for themselves, they determined for one another a challenge for each other. For one this will mean the opportunity to show a great amount of responsibility in the next year. For another it will mean maintaining physical health while strenghtening a relationship with a sibling. And, for another, it will mean pursuing a God-given talent. These are just some examples to consider as you plan not only for yourself, but also for your family in 2011.
Blessings and Happy New Year!
I'll briefly share with you some of the points she made here:
1) Do not be afraid for nothing will be impossible with God.
2) Fear can be a matter of faith, a spiritual matter that prevents us from following God's call or it can be a motivator for change.
3) God has a way of using all of our experiences, both good and bad, to prepare us for what he has in store for us.
4) In 2011 rather than making a New Year's resolution, perhaps we can commit to staying open to God's leading and no be afraid.
How does this translate to me as a mom?
1) God is always with me and I can do anything through Him. On the tough days, when all 3 girls are needy and my energy is spent, He is with me. On the trying days, when middle school drama ensues and I don't have the words to soothe, He is with me. On the exhausting days, when it seems there is not enough time to get it all done and muster some semblance of patience, He is with me. And on and on...
Another way to look at this is to think in terms of me as me...not just in the role of mom. Is there something that God is calling me to do outside of my role as a mom? Is there a tap on my shoulder to pursue a personal dream, perhaps unrelated to the family...yet, one that will not interfere, but possibly enhance me and thus all of us? If so, I should not be afraid.
What is God calling you to do?
2) If fear can be a matter of faith, what can I do to let go of my fear and trust in God? In my bible which is The Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, there is a footnote on Matthew 6:25. That verse reads, "So I tell you, do not worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing." This particular quote doesn't necessarily directly relate to the same kind of fear, or worry that we might have, but the footnote does. It states, "Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern-worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action."
When the pastor stated that Fear can be a matter of Faith, a spiritual matter that prevents us from following God's call; or, it can be a motivator for change, I think that she was likening fear, without conviction of faith, as worry. In my mind, fear with conviction of faith is concern. Perhaps nervous concern versus fear. Do you see the difference? For years leading up to launching this blog I was worried. I was fearful. Throughout the course of this last year, circumstances occurred that told me to just do it. Somehow my fear was calmed and become more excited nervousness, along with a trust that I should just go for it. God will provide and is with me.
What issues of fear and faith are you grappeling with and how can you move from inaction to action?
3) In her 3rd point the pastor said that all of our experiences prepare us for God's call. Looking at my own life I can see where certain events, opportunities and relationships placed before me demonstrate this. If it were not for these, I would not be writing this blog or facilitating book discussions on being the moms God intends us to be.
What is is that has prepared you for your unique call?
4) The fourth point that was made requires an openness and commitment. It requires us to allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It also requires commitment. As my MomMom (grandmother on my mom's side) used to say, "If at 1st you don't succeed, try, try again!" It requires a leap, a willingness to try and be open to not only the possiblity of failure, but also the wonderful possibility of success.
Will you commit to staying open to God's leading and not be afraid?
I'll leave you with an idea that was shared with me by my dear friend. Her family was contemplating New Year's resolutions and decided that they wanted to do something different this year. Instead of them each coming up with a resolution for themselves, they determined for one another a challenge for each other. For one this will mean the opportunity to show a great amount of responsibility in the next year. For another it will mean maintaining physical health while strenghtening a relationship with a sibling. And, for another, it will mean pursuing a God-given talent. These are just some examples to consider as you plan not only for yourself, but also for your family in 2011.
Blessings and Happy New Year!
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