The Carpenters and the Oak Ridge Boys

I have an old soul. I love the Carpenters and the Oak Ridge Boys. When I hear one of their songs - wherever I am- I smile. Why? Well, because my parents use to listen to that music when I was a kid and it brings back good memories and feelings of togetherness. This is more important as I am grown and I don't see my parents as often. Truthfully, there are many more artists and songs that could be put into that category.

For instance, I love hymns. I am not a great singer, but to sit in church service and sing together with other believers certain hymns can bring tears to my eyes. Of course there are great messages in hymns, but I have great memories and feelings that are tied up in these songs. I feel, in some ways, we can lose touch with these memories and feelings in modern times because there are always new worship songs and we soon stop singing "old songs". Not to say that I am against contemporary music, there are many that I love to sing as well.

My main point to this blog is that it is important to be wise to the music that you are listening to as parents, your kids are watching and listening. What music will your kids say that you listened to while they lived with you? Are you setting a good example in this? What music from your past brings a smile to your face?

Just some things that I was thinking about.

Stretching and Growing

The beginning of December I started a new job. I am continuing to babysit during the day, but now I have become a tutor in the after-school program at my kids' school. Kirk picks up the kids as I go to work. It is somewhat similar to the teacher-aid job that I had before I had kids. I was looking and praying for a way that I could bring some more money into our house since we had some added expenses in the last few months. I applied for a job at a clothing store for holiday hours, I got hit upon to "do" Melaluca, and I tried a Newspaper carrier job - none of which worked out. My youngest son is still at home and I feel very strongly about staying home with him until he goes to school. So far I have been able to, but this fall I was worried I wasn't going to be able to stand by that conviction. I am truly amazed how this job presented itself and how it worked out for my family. It truly is an answer to prayer. Praise the Lord!

It has been 6 years since I have done any work outside of the home and church, and in the process of finding a job and then starting this tutoring job, I must confess that it has stretched me. I feel like my brain has become mush. The things I once knew that are academic need to be dusted off, or have been forgotten, and all the things that I have become an expert on in the past 6 years aren't necessarily needed (i.e. - diaper changing, bowel movements, breast feeding, etc.) I have many feelings of inadequacy and many humbling moments. Like the time I started to misspell a word for a child right in front of a teacher. One thing is for certain, even though I do need to catch up in some ways, I feel like being a mother has enhanced me in working with children in a school setting. If only I had some of those skills when I worked as an aid in the junior high.

I have enjoyed working in the after-school program, but there are some challenges that I need to overcome. So I ask your thoughts and prayers as I continue with this job. With my youngest turning 4 soon, that also means that I am going to have to be looking for a job soon. I have never grown up and decided what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I also ask for your prayers as I need to pursue a career path that will also compliment me as a mother and as a pastor's wife. That is very heavy on my heart. Starting this new job and seeking a career path will be a stretching and growing time for me and I just ask for your prayers.

I hope that this new year has started out well for you, and I pray that no matter where you are, you are seeking God and a relationship with His Son, Jesus. God bless you!